It is Vaisakhi today, an event with several meanings to different cultures and religions.
It is celebrated by Hindus and Buddhists as part of welcoming the new solar year in.
But it is extremely important to the Punjabi community and the Sikh religion. The time of Vaisakhi, or Baisakhi, as some say it, is a traditional harvest festival, and as the Punjab is a large farming area, it is a cause for celebration, when the crops are harvested, people dance, and have fun, they do Bhangra, sing and dance, and generally celebrate the freedom they will now have, after a successful (hopefully) harvest. But before all this fun and laughter, they use this time to pray, and thank God for the good harvest, and to pray for the future crops too.
As a Sikh it holds a great importance too. Way back in 1699, our 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji laid the foundations of the Panth Khalsa, or the Order of the Pure ones, and so it is the birth of the Khalsa, and Sikhism as we know it now.
On this day many people who may not be baptised into full Sikhism, choose to do this, known as Amrit Shakna. This is basically that you are drinking the holy nectar, Amrit, and you pledge to be a true Sikh, as above, remembering the 5 Kakar’s (the 5 K’s).
Kesh – Uncut Hair, you remain as God intended you to be, be thankful for what God gave you, do not be ashamed.
Kangha – A wooden comb worn in the hair, to keep you tidy, and presentable at all times, a symbol of cleanliness.
Kara – A steel bangle acting as a constant reminder of a Sikh’s mission on this Earth, to do good, and help others. It is an external symbol of our faith. Being a continuous circle, it shows a Sikh’s unbreakable attachment to God. It was also used in self defence, and originally was part of a type of coat of arms, to protect the arms in battles.
Kirpan – A ceremonial dagger carried by baptised Sikhs, that is there to defend oneself, but more over to protect others regardless of race, colour or creed.
Kashera – a loose shorts like undergarment. Used to retain ones modesty, and cover your intimate parts, so as to always be proper, and also, as it is worn by both man and woman, it is a way to discourage looking at the opposite sex in an immoral way. It is tied with a naala, a drawstring, and the meaning for that is that if you were to be removing it to do anything improper, then untying the knot would give you time to think about what actions you are about to make…
We celebrated today by going to the Gurdwara to pay our respects.
Then on the weekend, there will be a large parade, the Nagar Kirtan, which slowly snakes around our town, and all the local community, Sikh or not, get involved! We place our holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, in a specially made trailer, resembling the Golden Temple in Amritsar, and then there are people walking ahead, cleaning the road in advance. The Panj Pyare, or Five Loved/Blessed Ones, Walk ahead of this carriage.
This procession is attended by thousands, who come from far and wide to walk alongside, and behind the Guru Granth Sahib.
We walk behind, chanting holy songs, and walk through the town, and around the route there are people giving food and drink, to all. This is part of our Seva, or helping others that we are encouraged to do. Many people, in the lead up to Vaisakhi will visit the temple and donate items such as juice and sweets, which are distributed along the journey. Also, local businesses will arrange for hot food and drink along the route, for free, as their ‘seva’ for Vaisakhi.
Behind the main hoards of worshippers there are usually trailers for those that can’t walk the couple of miles that we travel, and also local sports teams or cultural clubs have their participants on board open sided lorries. That’s where I’ll be, as I have been the last 4 years. Previously they were on a trailer together as they play the Dhol, (Punjabi Drum) with a local Bhangra team, but this year Lil Man is on a trailer with his football team, and Lil Princess will be sat with her Punjabi School classmates. I hope to get a seat somewhere as my feet may not cope with the long walk this year!
And we have Bhangra dancers, performing along the route at various stations.
It is a beautiful event, and there are Nagar Kirtans around the UK in places where there is a large Sikh community. Hopefully, I’ll get some pictures on Saturday, which I can post for you!
But for now,
HAPPY VAISAKHI TO ONE AND ALL!
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
(Wonderful Lord’s Khalsa, Victory is to the Wonderful Lord)
Mayur
Apr 15, 2018 @ 17:03:49
Same to you
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Ritu
Apr 15, 2018 @ 17:17:11
Thanks!
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Mayur
Apr 15, 2018 @ 17:18:35
😃
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Tina Frisco
Apr 14, 2018 @ 20:48:30
What a beautiful celebration, Ritu. Anything that unites people in fellowship is inspiring and illuminating. Makes us realize we are much more alike than we are different, and that our differences can be embraced as enrichments. Happy Vaisakhi, sister! ❤
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Ritu
Apr 14, 2018 @ 21:06:28
Thank you Tina! It is always a beautiful time of Year and wonderful to see everyone coming together!!!
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Colleen Chesebro
Apr 14, 2018 @ 20:20:55
I loved learning more about you and your religion, Ritu. Had to share. Happy Vaisakhi! ❤
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Ritu
Apr 14, 2018 @ 20:37:29
Reallt appreciate your share!!!! Thank you Colleen 😗
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Colleen Chesebro
Apr 14, 2018 @ 21:15:10
Always, dear friend, Ritu. ❤️❤️❤️
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Colleen Chesebro
Apr 14, 2018 @ 20:15:54
Reblogged this on The Sisters of the Fey and commented:
HAPPY VAISAKHI TO ONE AND ALL! Many thanks to Ritu for sharing this blessed holiday with us. ❤
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Ritu
Apr 14, 2018 @ 20:36:56
Thanks Colleen!!!
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dgkaye
Apr 14, 2018 @ 19:49:33
Enjoyed learning the meaning of this holiday Ritu. Happy Vaisakhi Day! ❤
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Ritu
Apr 14, 2018 @ 20:34:10
Thank you Deb!!!
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dgkaye
Apr 14, 2018 @ 20:51:50
Thank you Ritu. 🙂
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Hélène (Willow Poetry)
Apr 14, 2018 @ 01:13:43
Happy Vaisakhi Ritu! Enjoy your festivities. Thank you for all the info on the tradition and purpose.
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Ritu
Apr 14, 2018 @ 07:57:28
Thank you Hélène!
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Annette Rochelle Aben
Apr 13, 2018 @ 21:30:03
Celebrating your every happiness! ❤
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2018 @ 21:40:48
Thank you sis 💜🙏🏽
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Mary Smith
Apr 13, 2018 @ 20:16:39
Happy Vaisakhi, Ritu. Looks like a fabulous ceremony. Looking forward to seeing your photos. Hope it stays dry 🙂
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2018 @ 20:18:10
Thank you Mary!!! Here’s hoping!!!!
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Judy E Martin
Apr 13, 2018 @ 17:46:46
Happpy Vaisakhi Ritu! This sounds such a lovely ceremony and tradition. I look forward to seeing your pics 🙂
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2018 @ 17:51:39
Thanks Sis! I hope I can get a few images to share!
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OIKOS™-Redaktion
Apr 13, 2018 @ 16:56:37
Happy Vaisakhi to you too, Ritu! And to all of your family! A wonderful tradition, full of color and rhythm. Have a happy celebration, and a nice weekend. Michael
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2018 @ 17:47:16
Thank you so much Michael!
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OIKOS™-Redaktion
Apr 13, 2018 @ 16:54:16
Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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Sue Vincent
Apr 13, 2018 @ 16:00:42
Happy Vaisakhi, Ritu. Sharing with each other… whether it is food and drink along the way or knowledge of our celebrations, cultures, faiths and traditions is, I believe, the way to a better understanding that we are none of us anything other than part of one human family.
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2018 @ 16:02:47
Thank you Sue!
I couldn’t agree more!
Happy Vaisakhi to you too! 🙂
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Sue Vincent
Apr 13, 2018 @ 16:06:26
😀
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Aimer Boyz
Apr 13, 2018 @ 15:29:24
Happy Vaisakhi, Ritu.
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2018 @ 15:36:16
Thank you Aimer!
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pranabaxom
Apr 13, 2018 @ 14:24:56
This is also the New Year for the Assamese (Axomiya) people but this is a secular festival. The first seven days are the days of seven Bihu with the first day dedicated to cows (most important farm animal) and called Goru (cow) Bihu and the next day as Manuh (people) Bihu. After the new year, agricultural activities (ploughing of the land) starts. The festival itself is known as Rongali Bihu. Bihu dance is a main part of the festival. In old times, it is said, that boys and girls after the days work was done used to go to the fields to sing and dance and willing couples used to elope and come back in the morning to get blessings from the society for their married life.
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2018 @ 14:27:56
Well happy New year to you then!!!!
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pranabaxom
Apr 13, 2018 @ 14:30:58
And to you Ritu. Originally I was from the east and you from west of India and now it is reversed☺
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2018 @ 14:34:07
😊
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allaboutlife13
Apr 13, 2018 @ 14:17:33
Cz I am a Sikh and it actually felt awesome reading this post by you thankyou😊
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allaboutlife13
Apr 13, 2018 @ 14:16:40
It feels so glad to read about this prestigious festival on a platform like this💕 thanks alot for posting this
Love your way!
Happy Vaisakhi😊
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2018 @ 14:26:02
Thank you! Happy Vaisakhi!
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Sue Dreamwalker
Apr 13, 2018 @ 14:10:06
Happy Vaisakhi Ritu, I learned a lot this afternoon from reading your post.. Thank you 🙂 ❤
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2018 @ 14:25:35
Thank you Sue!
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Fourth Generation Farmgirl
Apr 13, 2018 @ 14:02:05
How lovely! Thank you for sharing this beautiful tradition. Happy Vaisakhi!!
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2018 @ 14:03:58
Thank you 🍭
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chris jensen
Apr 13, 2018 @ 13:50:25
i didn’t know that!
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2018 @ 14:03:43
😊
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chris jensen
Apr 13, 2018 @ 15:19:36
🐸
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Leanne
Apr 14, 2017 @ 02:11:30
Wow! Very cool! And so many people! I only practice 1 of the 5 K’s in a different way; I carry a pen instead of a dagger to protect myself 🙂
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Ritu
Apr 14, 2017 @ 07:52:53
Lol! Thanks Leanne!
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desertcurmudgeon
Apr 13, 2017 @ 16:29:49
Beautiful. A blessed Vaisakhi to you.
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2017 @ 16:33:54
Thank you!!!
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gcmediain
Apr 13, 2017 @ 11:57:14
Happy Baisakhi & thanks for the very descriptive info , we at GC Media had started our own blog about digital marketing so could you please have a look at it & give us some feedback that would be great. Thanks
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2017 @ 12:07:47
Thank you 😊
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ellenbest24
Apr 13, 2017 @ 10:51:38
A lovely post and educational. Thank you and Have a smashing time
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2017 @ 10:54:32
Thank you Ellen 😊
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ellenbest24
Apr 13, 2017 @ 10:58:48
Whispers… not long now Ritu, I am so excited to meet fellow bloggers at the bash. Happy weekend Ritu.😉
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2017 @ 11:07:29
I know!!!! So excited!!!!
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Charlene Bullard - FaithtoRaiseNate.com
Apr 13, 2017 @ 10:42:20
Thank you for sharing, I learned something new.
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2017 @ 10:49:21
Thank you for reading Charlene!
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Sangbad
Apr 13, 2017 @ 10:37:34
Happy Vaisakhi…learned a lot…
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2017 @ 10:37:49
Thank you 😊
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neelwritesblog
Apr 15, 2016 @ 03:43:33
Happy Baisakhi, sis.
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Ritu
Apr 15, 2016 @ 06:57:20
Thank you Bhsi! And happy Vaisakhi to you too!
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elementhealing
Apr 14, 2016 @ 22:43:29
Thank you Ritu for this post. It’s so interesting I would love to know more about your faith. I look forward more pictures if you can get them.
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Ritu
Apr 27, 2016 @ 21:32:42
I’m so sorry! Your comment was in my spam!!
I am so glad you found the post interesting! I try to post cultural posts once in a while so I hope you find something to read that fascinates you again too!
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elementhealing
Apr 28, 2016 @ 00:27:29
It’s odd how that happens sometimes.
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Ritu
Apr 28, 2016 @ 06:49:27
And annoying when genuine comments go into spam!!
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elementhealing
Apr 28, 2016 @ 15:36:15
I agree. The retrograde begins today and I’ve been seeing signs of it for a couple of days. So it doesn’t really suprise me that a comment would end up in spam.
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Ritu
Apr 28, 2016 @ 16:16:45
But I found you so that’s good!!!
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elementhealing
Apr 29, 2016 @ 02:43:55
yes it is 🙂
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niasunset
Apr 14, 2016 @ 14:17:53
This is so nice. Blessing and Happiness dear Ritu, Thank you, Love, nia
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Ritu
Apr 14, 2016 @ 16:32:39
Thanks Nia! 😊
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Bee Halton
Apr 14, 2016 @ 12:31:48
Thanks for that great lesson about Sikh’s 🙂
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Ritu
Apr 14, 2016 @ 12:32:44
😀 you’re welcome!!!
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mopana
Apr 14, 2016 @ 08:02:33
What a beautiful guideline through an amazing tradition, Ritu. Thanks for sharing and…
Happy Vaisakhi!
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Ritu
Apr 14, 2016 @ 12:29:34
Thank you!!!
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mopana
Apr 14, 2016 @ 16:31:48
❤
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Ompong
Apr 14, 2016 @ 04:00:38
Hindu holidays are nice to see… they are usually colorful with a high degree of festive mood. 🙂
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Ritu
Apr 14, 2016 @ 06:50:56
😊
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Fourth Generation Farmgirl
Apr 14, 2016 @ 03:13:34
Happy Vaisakhi to you and your family! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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Ritu
Apr 14, 2016 @ 06:50:35
Thank you Tonya!
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syl65
Apr 14, 2016 @ 01:11:16
Happy Vaisakhi Sister!!! Peace and Love!!
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Ritu
Apr 14, 2016 @ 06:50:26
Thank you Brother!!!
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syl65
Apr 14, 2016 @ 14:40:42
You’re welcome Sister!!! Wonderful afternoon!!
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Ritu
Apr 14, 2016 @ 16:32:51
😊😊😊
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Erika Kind
Apr 13, 2016 @ 21:13:06
Happy Vaisakhi, Sis! What an amazing celebration. In some way, it sounds familiar to me! Did you post about it once before?
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2016 @ 21:56:20
I may have mentioned it last year!
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Erika Kind
Apr 13, 2016 @ 22:57:24
I love to learn more about your traditions 😊
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Ritu
Apr 14, 2016 @ 06:50:03
And I love to share, sis!
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Erika Kind
Apr 14, 2016 @ 07:16:12
Win-Win!!! 😘
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Ritu
Apr 14, 2016 @ 07:25:10
Yay!!!
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Erika Kind
Apr 14, 2016 @ 07:39:17
😄😄
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2016 @ 21:56:33
Thank you sis!
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Erika Kind
Apr 13, 2016 @ 22:57:44
Very welcome! 😊
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Judy Martin
Apr 13, 2016 @ 20:50:47
I hope you have a wonderful day and look forward to seeing your pics on Saturday 🙂
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2016 @ 20:54:34
Thanks sis!!!!
It’s always a wonderful event!!!
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unstilledheart
Apr 13, 2016 @ 20:34:08
Reblogged this on unstilledheart.
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2016 @ 20:53:51
Thanks for the reblog!
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unstilledheart
Apr 13, 2016 @ 21:21:41
You’re quite welcome:) Welcome to my new little place:)
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2016 @ 21:56:43
😊
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georgeforfun #MATURE, YOU'VEBEEN WARNED Life's too short to be miserable or serious anymore!
Apr 13, 2016 @ 20:30:19
Thanks to you and followers for all the info. I’m up for any reason for people to gather and celebrate, YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
Enjoy your day&evening. )))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Hugssssssssssssssss
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Ritu
Apr 13, 2016 @ 20:52:46
Thank you George!!!!
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georgeforfun #MATURE, YOU'VEBEEN WARNED Life's too short to be miserable or serious anymore!
Apr 13, 2016 @ 21:59:59
My pleasure indeed ));<)))))
👀 ♥ * ͜ * ♥ 👀
ᕙ(💓▿💓)ᕗ
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susieshy45
Apr 19, 2015 @ 09:11:19
In Kerala, a similar festival is celebrated called Vishu- which again celebrates the new harvest. It symbolises the beginning of the new year too. And similarly in West Bengal, it is celebrated as Nobo Borosho or new year. So there is a lot of similarity between states and cultures. Perhaps the Parsi Navroze has similar origins- the
beginning of spring after a long winter. Who knew ?
Wishing you a happy Baisakhi and a new year with a lot of fun and frolic.
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Ritu
Apr 19, 2015 @ 09:18:19
Thank you! 😊
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susieshy45
Apr 19, 2015 @ 09:10:15
In Kerala, a similar festival is celebrated called Vishu- which again celebrates the new harvest. It symbolises the beginning of the new year too. And similarly in West Bengal, it is celebrated as Nobo Borosho or new year. So there is a lot of similarity between states and cultures. Perhaps the Parsi Navroze has similar origins- the beginning of spring after a long winter. Who knew ?
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Ritu
Apr 19, 2015 @ 09:18:02
So many similarities! I love this, I learn from your comments too!
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Leanne
Apr 14, 2015 @ 23:25:23
Another wonderful post to educate your followers! Also enjoyed the great pictures!
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Ritu
Apr 15, 2015 @ 05:58:09
Thanks Leanne! That’s what I hope to do, to be able to share information! ☺
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Thumbup
Apr 14, 2015 @ 17:31:45
Is there
giving on this holiday?
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Ritu
Apr 14, 2015 @ 18:37:45
It’s not usually about giving, but celebrating a good harvest, and the birth of the Khalsa… though you are to think about giving more, yourself, in general, about your Seva, and charitable work you could do, time, and money you could donate to help others.. that is one main ethos of Sikhism!
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walkerkaty0
Apr 14, 2015 @ 16:09:39
This is the first time I am hearing about this celebration. It looks like a lot of fun! Happy Vaisakhi!
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Ritu
Apr 14, 2015 @ 16:40:49
Thank you! It is lots of fun, everyone together! 😊
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Cats at the Bar.org / Back Home in Bromont.com
Apr 14, 2015 @ 13:08:52
That looks like so much fun. What a wonderful way to celebrate. It really brings the community together. 🙂
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Ritu
Apr 14, 2015 @ 13:15:32
It is great, and everyone, no matter what religion, colour or creed joins in!! It might just be for the free food, but hey, it’s all fun!! And so colourful! 😄
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Cats at the Bar.org / Back Home in Bromont.com
Apr 14, 2015 @ 13:01:59
Ignore my last question on your other post. 😀
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Ritu
Apr 14, 2015 @ 13:14:16
Hee hee! Too late!! 😁
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Cats at the Bar.org / Back Home in Bromont.com
Apr 14, 2015 @ 13:38:04
Boy your quick! 😀
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Ritu
Apr 14, 2015 @ 13:39:04
😀😀😁😁
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carolschepper
Apr 14, 2015 @ 11:55:48
Happy Vaisakhi to you & your family. Enjoy the festivities!
And thank you for the explanation!
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Ritu
Apr 14, 2015 @ 11:57:22
Thank you Carol!
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edwinasepisodes
Apr 14, 2015 @ 10:12:32
Happy Vaisakhi to you Ritu and thanks for the insight about it 🙂
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Ritu
Apr 14, 2015 @ 10:24:54
Thanks hun!
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