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Remembering the East London Vasakhi Nagar Kirtan. Sunday 26th

April, 2009.

THIS PRESENTATION IS BEST VIEWED AS A SLIDE SHOW!!

As we approached the Gurdwara we saw the sangat gathering outside. We were promptly there for the 1.00 PM "start" but we should have known better, as good old fashioned Panjabi GMT (Gini Murjee Time) was in effect.

The times printed on the photos are wrong by the way. Just so you know.

This is Dasmesh Darbar Gurdwara in Eastham. It's kind of like Dr. Who's tardis in that it is a LOT bigger inside than it looks from the outside.

We waited there, under the watchful eyes of the “boys in blue.”

Finally the Panj Piaray emerged from the Gurdwara. Symbols to remind us of the courage, conviction, faith and sacrifice made by the first five Sikhs to pass Guru Gobind Singh’s test. Centuries have passed since that Vasakhi day but the benchmark they set remains eternal.

The path was cleared and the Panj Piarey led the march through the streets of East London

The good people from The ambulance service were at hand to make sure we were all o.k. The Scotsman on the left is David, he was in charge of the overall care of the sangat. He told me that they expected between 15,000 and 20,000 people to attend. I saw him later, munching on a samosa, he said he didn’t mind the Nagar Kirtan as he was always “fed well.” Thanks for looking after us David and Co.

Dhol uttey dagga! The thundering dhol, the pulse of Panjab, echoed through the

streets proclaiming our presence.

You meet all sorts at the Nagar Kirtan, veterans, new blood.

The traditional and the modern

Nihungs were giving out shardae to the passing sangat.

This is a beautiful drink with various ingredients such as milk, almonds and sugar that has been prayed over. You can see them serving it with their steel (sarbloh) bowls in the picture.

I know there is another version, also used by some nihungs, that has a famous green leafy ingredient in it. So before you ask, no, this was the type of shardae without the “eye reddening” stuff………..

Nihungs representing

The Khalsa!

The sound of the battle-drum resounds in the air; aim is taken, and the wound is inflicted.

The spiritual warriors enter the field of battle; now is the time to fight!

Recognise them as warriors, who fight in defense of religion.

They may be cut apart, piece by piece, but never abandon the battlefield (SGGS, pg. 1105, Bhagat Kabir)

Buses versus The Khalsa! The buses stand no chance

When the sangat hit the world famous Green Street, things get loud!

Generous Sikhs fed the sangat

We slowly made our way back to the Gurdwara.

Our own “boys in blue” were also keeping a close eye on things

The mood became more sombre as we approached the Gurdwara for the second time that day. We arrived back shouting Sikh slogans and battle cries (Jaikaras) and our spirits were high. After stopping at the Gurdwara prayers, were offered. The last words I heard through the Gurdwara speakers before I left to go home were “sarbat da bhalla” or “goodwill to mankind”.

The flag may have changed form over the years but here we are, 310 years against the odds, scattered in every corner of the globe. I hope the next 310 years are as eventful as the last. I hope the Sikhs of today and tomorrow are able to put down as strong a foundation as our saint-soldier forefathers did for us. To Sikhs in the East End and those all over the globe.

When I reflect back to the day, its hard not to feel just a tinge of emotion. I saw the sangat happily co-existing at a time when it seems we can do little except fight amongst ourselves. I witnessed the famous generosity of Sikhs, with food and refreshment being offered throughout the procession by complete strangers at a time when selfishness is a norm in society. The dynamism and energy of the panth was revitalising.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa! Waheguru Jee kee fateh!