''DARUU'' KA 'PARSAD' ......BABA RODE SHAH MELA

RASHMI TALWAR
Rode Village (Amritsar) March 2009
In Rome --Bacchus the God of Wine may have countless lovers, bedfellows and followers through the ages, but nothing could quite beat his craziest fans …in a tiny hamlet of India. As spring arrives, 'Bhoma' also Popularly referred to as Baba Rode village, just 20 Kms from Amritsar in Punjab prepares for its annual cocktail. With huge drums some even fitted with indigenous taps and stirring ladles, to be filled with the fiery liquid to be poured in steel glasses for devotees.
Strange as it may sound, liquor finds its way as a holy offering at the 'Samadh' or 'Mazar' (tomb) of Baba Rode Shah in this tiny village. Not only, is it the only offering acceptable at the shrine but is also given as ‘Parsad’ (return offering) to devotees.
It is one of the strangest sights in the world perhaps, to watch women, children, share glasses of spirit with men in their sozzel-ed worst in a 3-day soiree from March 22 , during the Baba Rode Shah Mela (fair), as guzzlers are consumed by the spirited cocktail.
While consuming liquor is considered the ultimate sin in some religions, it hardly finds any respect in societal acceptance due to Health Issues, but flows in merriment at Mehfils, pubs, clubs or fashion parties and Page 3 dos.
However undeterred by its notoriety, the liquor has found an iota of acceptance and even 'reverence' during the 3–days of its unabated flow in "holy -glory".
Lakhs visit the tomb during the fair while hundreds of thousands throng the site even before the start of the 3-day "Binging" on alcohol. Devotees at Mela flock for an ardent Wish or at Wish-fulfillment in a gesture of Thanksgiving …carrying …lo & behold !!…bottles of the finest wines and whiskies or even pouches, polythene bags- shopper bags, buckets, cans filled with even country brewed liquor, that find their way into a mixing drum, as holy offering.
All the liquor offering is then mixed in a container, irrespective of its foreign origin, kind, expense or emergence-- into a heady potion and distributed as ‘Prasad’.
Mind you! No policewalla dare stop or cause any inconvenience during the drinking revelry that follows, for fear of incurring the wrath of the holy ‘Baba’.
People having faith in Baba Rode are seen offering prayers for jobs, resolving legal and court cases, marital happiness, to have a child, wishing to go abroad, find a seat in an institution and many weird wishes to come true.
The scene near the Samadh is seen to be believed with homo sapiens strewn around the place as if a great battle has taken place.
Devotees report that the stink of liquor can be felt from miles. It is the only time when a tiny tot boy or girl will call cheers with their father …although not so blatantly.
This time, amongst liquor revellers and drummers who played the drums at the mela the catchy Punjabi Pop Number by Hard Kaur ..."Ek Galasi, Do Galasi, Teen Galasi CHAR..." found some crazy puppets and rag-doll dancing by devotees swinging limbs in all four directions in wild abandon, while less sozzeled --laughed and laughed holding their stomachs in pain before joining the weird groups .
Along with this mumbo-jumbo dancing, Devotees get to enjoy some of the choicest and mouthwatering roadside delicacies during the ‘pilgrimage’ , with the likes of chicken Tandoori, fish Amritsari and Mutton Tikkas Stalls --.The most delicious and famous cuisines of this entire region crop along roadsides, during the festivities.
Though rationalists pooh-pooh the claims of miracle cures at the shrine, the Mela at the tomb of Baba Rode draws a big crowd.
Interestingly, it is a little kept secret that some leaders from various political hues too are ardent followers of the Bacchus –Baba

Legend has it that Baba Rode, the son of Sham Singh, a farmer, belonged to a Jat Sikh family and was a “teetotaler”.
The ancestral village of Baba Rode was Dhiman (Damodar) in border area of Gurdaspur district.
It is believed that Baba Rode moved to a village near Bhoma in 1896 and lived on the outskirts. His sister was married in this village.
People believe Baba Rode started blessing to help people in distress.
It is believed that once a devotee of Baba Rode offered him liquor in gratitude for a wish fulfilled and the Baba who distributed all offerings to his disciples also distributed the liquor offering among his disciples.
Later, this became a big tradition though Baba Rode died in 1924.
To the delight of villagers here, the tradition is still alive where drinking is considered ‘macho’ among men , after the hardworking Punjabi farmer turned into Landlords, lording over the migratory labor from poor states of Bihar and Orissa, who toiled in the fertile soil of the region to make the Punjabi farmer prosperous.
The once hardworking Punjabi farmer became lazy and fell into “aiyashis” of all kind including consuming liquor in groups in the evening. For these villagers at daily 'Mehfils' .....Baba Rode Shah’s Mela is indeed ‘Godsend’ having holy blessings to match!

Dhol Jageero da…Amritsar girls done it …

Dhol Jageero da…Amritsar girls done it …
Rashmi Talwar
AMRITSAR MARCH 2009----
With Punjabi girls taking to playing the traditional "dhol", yet another male bastion seems to have crumbled !
Apart from "dhol", girls in Amritsar are increasingly taking on to other traditional folk instruments of Punjab which were hitherto played exclusively by men.
Balancing a heavy "dhol", beating the "tili and daaga" (playing sticks) in perfect synchronisation with "bhangra" is not an easy task, says 18-year-old Niti Mahajan, one of the girls who has ventured into this field.
The efforts to revive folk music instruments of Punjab are in full swing. BBK DAV College for Women , Amritsar 's Head of Music Department, Ms Ritu Sharma, took up the formidable challenge to train college girls to play the instruments that had remained "taboo" for women. An eight-member band of women performers has emerged from her relentless effort.
These young girls won a string of prizes during the youth festival of the Guru Nanak Dev University three years back. They also won "Surtal 2002", a state-level function organised in Patiala by ministry of cultural affairs. The team also played for various foreign delegations including for Pakistani and British delegations.
Melodious and innovative musical compositions, skillful renditions and numerous practice sessions have successfully honed the skills of these young women artists, says Ritu . Mahajan's strong point is her "rhythm-control". Who adds that "Initially, the 'dhol' felt very heavy and I was unable to balance it on my shoulders. So I rested it on a table to learn the beats. I often forgot the beats, and my teacher, Mr Baljit Singh, would hit the beats with the playing sticks lightly on my head to practically drill them into me," she laughs.
Recalling her maiden performance Mahajan says "In my first performance on the stage, I used a stool. But later, rested the "dhol" on my shoulders like a typical Punjabi professional "Dholi " that added a lot of color and rhythm to the performances ." To a question whether she has become "Jageero" of the "DHOL JAGEERO DA " fame ..she laughs and tapped the dhol shaking a leg and her neck in rhythm mimicking the popular song in a mock demonstration .
Music is in the family of the teenaged sisters Simran Kashap and Satnam Kashap, nieces of famous 'WADALI BROTHERS' -- Puran Chand and Piara Lal. 'The girls' father, a "hazoori raagi", has been encouraging them, while their younger brother Gurinder Singh, a music composer, set many a tune for them, say the sisters.
Another girl Megha Bhasin, apart from being a "dhol" player is an accomplished "been" (instrument played by snake charmers and yogis) player. She also has the skills to play eight other folk instruments, including "nagara" (a war instrument), "chimta", "ghungroo", "sapp" (scissors), "bambi". "It took me at least three months of breathing exercises to play the "been" that is one of the most difficult instruments to play," says student-artist Ritu. Another artist Simran is an expert in playing instruments like "ektara", "tumbi", "daff", "chimta", and "sapp". Ms Satnam shows her promise with "ghara", "sarangi", "manjari", and "nagara". In fact, one of the most breathtaking performances by Ms Satnam had her play a metallic "ghaggar" rhythmically on a dim-lit stage. Although she suffered blisters while striking "ghaggar" with metal rings on which small firecrackers were strategically placed, yet she was in high spirits.
FOLK MUSIC THROUGH DANCE AND WAR
Ghungroos, sapp and kato are used in bhangra, while ghaggar, dholki, ghara, bambiha are used by giddha dancers. Bambiha is also used for singing "jagao". Dhaad and sarangi are used for singing of "vaars" (events from lives of Gurus). Nagara and shankh both are war instruments. Ghungroo or bells, vanjali or flute and been are musical instruments with a hypnotic effect. Shankh or conch and been are the most difficult instruments to learn. Both need breathing exercises and synchronisation. Surprisingly, conch-blowing does not need much effort, though it needs a specialised technique.
KHALSA COLLEGE ALL SET FOR FOLK MUSIC
Khalsa College, Amritsar, here has its own plans for the revival for folk culture. It is all set for establishing Rs 2.75 crore project of "Guru Hargobind Singh Auditorium". It would also be setting up a "folk museum" to house folk items, including folk instruments. These musical instruments would include both rustic and refined folk instruments.
VARSITY'S "HERITAGE VILLAGE" TO SHOWCASE CULTURE
The "Heritage Village" concept of the Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, may turn out as the biggest project for the revival of traditional folk culture and heritage. Conceived by Dr S.P. Singh, then Vice Chancellor of the varsity, it had Dr Gurmeet Singh as its Director. The blueprint of the project was been prepared by Dr Manjit Singh of the Town Planning Department here. The foundation stone of the village was inaugurated on the day of Baisakhi 2004.
If all goes well ……The village would have "chappar" (pond), "khuh" (well) and dhabha. Many traditional folk music instruments would be displayed there. Other projects in the offing are the displays of folk art and craft, costumes, domestic items and utensils, architecture and landscaping, folk games, folk medicines. ………………eom

Four Hindu families from Pak seek refuge in India

Four Hindu families from Pak seek refuge in India
Amritsar, March 7 (PTI)
Stating that they do not wish to return to Pakistan due to Taliban's tyranny in the tribal areas, a group of 35 Hindus, nearly half of them women, from the neighbouring country have crossed over to India and asked the government to allow them to settle in the country. "We were living in Pakistan under extreme fear due to the domination of a strong group of Taliban who are running a parallel government," Jagdish Sharma, a resident of tribal area near Peshawar in Pakistan, said. I Recounting their ordeal, he said "Hindus and Sikh families are not safe, especially our women. We preferred to migrate in India, at least here in India we know that our families will be safe." The four families comprising 16 men, 16 women and three children crossed over to India during the last few days through the Attari check post and later went to Delhi where they got a one-year visa and permission to stay in Amritsar. "We strongly urge the Government of India to allow us to stay here in India permanently, since we don't want to move back in that hell where there is no life security," said Sharma. Hardwari Lal, resident of Orkzai nearly 180 km from Peshawar, said, "I was running my grocery shop there which was forcibly taken over by the fundamentalists who also took possession of our entire property". PTI

Liquor baron wins over Gandhi

PHOTO: Items owned by Mahatma Gandhi on display before being auctioned in New York on Thursday. — Reuters
Liquor baron wins over Gandhi BY Ashish Kumar Sen/Vibha Sharma
Washington/New Delhi, March 6 Footprints
 Sandals were given to a British army officer in Aden in 1931  The dinner bowl and pocket watch believed to have been given to niece and personal secretary Abha  The rimmed spectacles were probably given to the Nawab of Junagadh Surprise Bidder
 Former Test cricketer Dilip Rasiklal Doshi  Based in UK, Doshi’s company Entrack trades in international brands like Mont Blanc Successful Bidder
 Liquor baron Vijay Mallya, also the owner of Kingfisher Airlines  Mallya’s United Breweries is believed to have lost 79 pc of its market value since Sept 2007

IN an ironical twist, it was left to liquor baron Vijay Mallya to bid over Rs. 10 crore ( $2 million), which includes the commission to be paid to the auction house in New York, to buy the lot of personal belongings of Mahatma Gandhi that were put on auction by Los Angeles-based filmmaker and pacifist, James Otis. Mallya, who had at an earlier auction in London paid Rs. 4 crore for the sword of Tipu Sultan, yesterday paid two and a half times that amount to take home a pair of sandals, a Zenith pocket watch, a plate, bowl and the spectacles that Mahatma Gandhi is claimed to have used. The irony was not lost on people because the Mahatma considered consumption of alcohol to be a major social evil and had consistently urged for a ban on drinking. In deference to the Mahatma, the Indian Constitution carries the goal of Prohibition as a directive principle of state policy. Mallya, who was in France and kept in constant touch with his representative in the US, Tony Bedi, contradicted union minister Ambika Soni and claimed that his bid was not prompted by the Government of India or Indian officials. Speaking to a TV channel, Mallya held that he was emotionally satisfied at successfully retrieving the personal belongings of the Mahatma. “ We have been able to procure them through Vijay Mallya, who was in touch with us,” said an elated Soni, minister of culture in Dr. Manmohan Singh’s government. India could not have directly taken part in the auction as there was a restraining order of the Delhi High Court, she explained. While Bedi told The Tribune that the personal items could be sold to the Government of India, if it wanted to pay for them, Mallya indicated his plan to gift them to the government. He wanted the items to be displayed in a museum in either Bangaluru or Mysore. In a will prepared apparently in February, 1940, the Mahatma had declared Ahmedabad-based Navjivan Trust, founded by him in 1929, to be his heirs. “ While I do think I have any property, anything which by social convention or law is considered mine, I endow to the Navjivan Institution,” reads part of the will, claimed Managing Trustee Jitendra Desai. He had no clue as to the authenticity of the items or how they found their way into the possession of Otis. The spectacles and the watch, however, bore striking resemblance to the ones used by the Mahatma, he said in Ahmedabad. Bedi told The Tribune, “ My instructions were clear. I was not to lose this auction to a foreign bidder under any circumstances.” Initially Mallya had put a cap on what Bedi could bid. But later, recalled Bedi, Mallya pulled out all stops. New York hotelier Sant Singh Chatwal had earlier expressed an interest in bidding for the collection. But Bedi apparently told him that it would then be Chatwal’s responsibility to win the auction and pay for the items to be shipped to India. Watch director and auctioneer Julien Schaerer, told The Tribune that he had detected a more than usual interest in the auction from the Indian American community. This was possibly due to the fact that Gandhi was a man of few worldly possessions. CREDIT TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

Café to 'desi lassi' of Rajasansi , AMRITSAR

A small township Rajasansi -, a residence of the erstwhile Sandhanwalia family situated at the Ajnala Pargana, 1 km northwest of Amritsar, on the Amritsar Ajnala Road. It was founded in the year 1570 A.D. by a Jat Raja of Sansi tribe, and hence named Rajasansi . The Sandhawalias - the rulers of Rajasansi - had built a palace --a majestic building of historical significance — known as Sandhanwalia Haveli now is proposed to be renovated as a tourist site . the township has three mosques, a temple, a tehsil building, a civil hospital and a sarai. The population of the village, as per the 2001 Census, is 12,200. The village has been the hub of handicrafts. Many artisans still weave carpets on handlooms in their houses. PHOTO BY RAJIV SHARMA CAFE TO "DESI LASSI" OF RAJASANSI UN takes Amritsar on world map, Rajasansi under its wing RASHMI TALWAR AMRITSAR (RAJASANSI) MARCH 2009------
Plush cushioned seating, ambience of ancient palaces are likely to convert into ultra-modern cafes intact with the old world charm of the Maharajas, if the central government 's ambitious plan of United Nations Development New Country Programme (UNDNCP) transforms into reality . The idea is to Combine Rajasansi's traditional with the modern for a complete experience of "Punjab" in true blue-blood royal luxury with cultural and historical snippets thrown in for an unforgettable experience by tourists from all corners of the world. If it be thus ---gossamer lights would highlight the kaleidoscope of multi-colored rich Phulkari tapestry , glistening unsheathed swords would share space with tiny dices that saw many a king wager his kingdom, delicate jingle of colored bangles combine with this the tall brass glasses of famous Punjabi yogurt or "desi lassi" to guests – and it is sure shot hit with tourists from world over . The state government selected the historical village of Rajasansi, about 11 km from the holy city of Amritsar, for the Central Government UNDNC Programme at an estimated cost of Rs 28 crore that is aimed for renovation of the old palace of Rajasansi, setting up of tourist information centres, kala Kendras for artisans, beautification of surroundings which include glow-illumination of historical buildings besides improving civic infrastructure . the proximity of the Rajasansi International Airport is an added advantage as it offers the weary passenger a breather that not only promises to relax but is feast for the eyes . Adapted from an article from The Tribune

INDIAN PEACENIKS AIMS TO REFRESH BROTHERHOOD SPIRIT WITH PAKISTANIS

Indian peaceniks aim to refresh brotherhood spirit with Pakistanis Feb 23rd, 2009 | By Sindh Today | Category: India Wagah border (Amritsar), Feb.27 (ANI): While diplomatic circles in India and Pakistan are engaged in formally getting the suspended composite dialogue back on track, peaceniks of both countries are doing their bit to remind one and all that peace and brotherhood are key to an improved future. Noted peacenik and journalist Kuldip Nayyar has once again attempted to break the logjam on confidence building measures. Nayyar is leading a 14-member Indian delegation that included artistes, activists, academicians and journalists. The delegation will aim to send a brotherly message and seek in earnest to apply balm to wounds that have surfaced post 26/11. The other members of the delegation are film director Mahesh Bhatt, social activist Swami Agnivesh and historian Salman Haider. Highlighting why peace is most important for this region for the happiness and prosperity of people in this region, the delegation would urge Pakistan authorities not to allow use of their soil for terror activities. ‘The main aim of the delegation is to make the civil society strong. And we will ask the Pakistani authorities, whom we meet to not to allow their soil be used for violence and also urge that the perpetrators should be punished,’ said Kuldeep Nayyar. Bhatt said that India and Pakistan peace dialogue should not reach a point of no-return. ‘We should not reach to a point of status quo. We will have to find a new way out. It was really bad to what had happened for us in Mumbai and Pakistan should move ten steps ahead and take action on the people who are responsible. And they should win hearts of the Indians,’ said Mahesh Bhatt. Asma Jahangir, the United Nations Special Representative on Freedom of Religion or Belief and Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, received the peace delegation, which is to return to India on February 26. Asma said that the two countries could not move ahead until they understand each other. ‘We know that the relations between the two countries are not and have not been good. There have been tensions between them. The message is that we cannot move forward until we understand conditions and problems of each other,’ said Asma Jahangir. (ANI)

YOGA AND KATHAK CLASSES IN LAHORE PAKISTAN

UNCERTAINTY BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN HARDLY EFFECT YOGA-KATHAK CLASSES IN LAHORE ....DEFY DICTATES OF MULLAHS AND TALIBANS
RASHMI TALWAR
AMRITSAR FEB 17, 2009
Even as clouds of uncertainty over desired action on top terrorists and outfits operating from Pakistan continue between India and neighboring Pakistan, in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror strikes, the city of Lahore, Pakistan remains unmindful of the current sling match and defies even the dictates of mullahs or Talibans for shunning Hindu lifestyles or customs, to declare to hold workshops on ‘Yoga’ and Kathak Dance .
‘Fatwas’ have been passed by various Muslim organizations banning ‘Yoga’ practice among Muslims in Pakistan and elsewhere in the world on the grounds that it contain “Hindu elements”. Similar bans have also been imposed on "Flying Kites" in Lahore on the occasion of Basant -a Hindu-Sikh festival , but nevertheless the local populace is known to have defied bans time and again in its chequered history. Throwing caution to the winds over fundamentalist dictates people of Lahore color the skyline for days with kite flying soirees that last uptil midnight , women still don sarees, wear bindis , glass bangles or apply mehandi on weddings or special occasions with aplomb despite its Hindu antecedents . The 'surprise' invitation for the month long workshop on "Yoga and Kathak" by “Nahid Siddiqui” starting from Wednesday February 18 to conclude on March 19, was sent to select few in India by “Lahore Chitrkar”—a studio - gallery and a registered non-profit, non-commercial organization founded at Gulberg locality in Lahore in 2001, by a group of painters, architects, writers, dancers and musicians where artistic skills are learned, shared and exhibited. Music classes held by the organization also include classical vocals besides Flute, Tabla, Sarangi, Sitar recitals and teaching , reminiscent of the glorious period of composite culture prevalent in pre-partition India especially during the glorious reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh when Amritsar was considered his “Spiritual Capital” and Lahore his “Cultural capital” .
The agenda of forthcoming programmes is set by Shahid Mirza and Rabia Nadir who while talking to The Pioneer from Lahore say “the organization attaches great value to awareness of our cultural heritage as a necessary part of art training valued not as convention and formula but as an artistic response .” However "Yoga" has only found space in its programmes recently with internationally renowned Kathak dancer of Lahore “Nahid ” ready to conduct “Kathak dance and yoga classes” for beginners. Nahid Siddiqui is considered in Pakistan as one of the finest Kathak dancers and choreographers and her work has been recognized and acclaimed internationally during stage presentations on touring productions, in Europe, America and Asia. Shahid says about Nahid that “It's no wonder that for this ardent Kathak exponent of several years, Yoga has been a key element of her practice, allowing her to extend the boundaries not only of her own physique, but of her art, and hence her spirit. Although known primarily for being a leading promoter of Kathak Nahid has been a practitioner and researcher of Yoga for many years, and has taught Yoga in many countries of the world receiving accolades for her work especially in Britain besides being a recipient of Pakistan's highest artistic merit". Interestingly the organization got active supported from Punjab Government (Pakistan) Department of Culture only in 2005-06 when relations with India in all spheres were at an all time high in past 60-years, besides which The Lahore School of Economics, The Hienrich Boll Foundation, Germany apart from various Foundations of Pakistan extend support to it.
The timing of the classes has come as a surprise when public opinion in Pakistan is anti-India and Pak government is hardly a willing partner in joint investigations for Mumbai and relations are set to sour between the two neighbors that are naturally reflected first and foremost in angst against perusal of arts and skills that are predominantly viewed from Hinduism in ………….eom

Amritsar:Food Court Plan For Amritsar

Food Court Plan For Amritsar
Posted by preetasr in City News,
Amritsar:
THE LOCAL administration has drawn up a plan to bring together the traditional Amritsari Kitchen for tourists visiting the city. The food court will serve local cuisine and more, without the circuitous hunt down the city’s narrow by lanes.
Apart from the Harmandar Sahib, ‘Amritsari Fish’, ‘Aloo Kulcha’, ‘Jalebis’, ‘Panner Bhurji’ and ‘Kesar Lassi’ are the draw for those on a visit. The Rs 5-crore proposal has been forwarded for approval of the Union Ministry for Culture and Tourism.
Deputy Commissioner Kahan Singh Pannu said that the food court would serve both local flavors, those from other states and gourmet food in a hygienic ambience.
A site has been marked out, he informed.
The aim is to save tourists valuable time and money scouting corner Dhabas, he said.