Geet in Children Business Fair

Harvinder and me beautifully shared a delightful and heartwarming experience. These reflections capture the spirit of the evening perfectly! 

Geet and Ivanika’s hard work, creativity, and teamwork, supported by Ivanika’s mother, truly deserve all the praise. 

Geet showing acumen in selling her products

The efforts of Geet and Ivanika put into crafting homemade organic soap by arranging ingredients, and packaging them beautifully speak volumes about their creativity and determination. 

Making the bubble change colors

The school had also arranged a balloon maker entertainer who thrilled the kids and adults alike.

Bubble rain

 I felt to have gone back 70 years and enjoyed various bubbles, like bubble rain, bubble river and smoking bubbles.

Bubble Hair styles

It’s wonderful to see schools like Live Oak Elementary encouraging young entrepreneurs through events like the Children’s Business Fair.

Events like the Children’s Business Fair arranged by their School not only foster entrepreneurial skills but also instill confidence and pride in young minds.

Moments like these, where the family comes together to celebrate such achievements, are indeed magical. 

The school had also arranged a food truck, Hint Desi, offering delicious fusion Indo-Punjabi food, with trending Diljit Dosanjh songs playing in the background, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. This unique food business is run by a young, newly married Sikh couple. While the husband skillfully handles the cooking, his wife, still adorned with her red choora, adds a charming bridal touch to the scene.

Various varieties of soap

Watching them craft, package, and sell their homemade organic soap was as fulfilling for us as it was for them. These milestones will no doubt become cherished memories, building a foundation for even greater accomplishments in the future.

Gobind’s Talkitive Twist to Nostalgia

We needed to give Gobind a treat, so we took him to Black Bear Diner in Pleasanton in Dec 2015. The atmosphere was cozy, the food delightful, and the company even better.

After a gap of 30 years, we relived the joy of a sumptuous family dinner, much like the ones we used to enjoy back in the day. However, this time, it was Gobind’s lively chatter filling the room instead of the usual quiet demeanor of young Shiv at that age.

. 

Grandma Harvi couldn’t stop beaming, absolutely enchanted by her grandson’s stories and enthusiast

It was a beautiful blend of nostalgia and new memories, with Gobind’s talkative nature adding a vibrant twist to the cherished tradition.

A stranger Warm Gesture

As we strolled through the festive and bustling Santana Row marketplace, soaking in the Christmas cheer, a delightful surprise unfolded on Dec 12, 2017. A beautiful stranger, full of holiday spirit, suddenly jumped into our frame to pose alongside Harvinder. With a radiant smile and effortless charm, she added a touch of whimsy to our Christmas-decorated town photo.

In the true spirit of the season, she not only joined the moment but also graciously offered to snap a picture of us together, capturing a memory we’ll treasure.

It was a spontaneous and heartwarming encounter, a reminder of the unexpected joys this festive season can bring. Merry Christmas to all!

Garam Masala

Garam Masala is a blend of aromatic spices used in Indian cooking to add warmth, depth, and complexity to dishes. The ingredients used in garam masala can vary regionally and by household preferences, but the common ingredients and their roles in the mix are detailed below. These are typically roasted lightly to enhance their flavors before grinding into a fine powder:

Key Ingredients in Garam Masala

1. Coriander Seeds

• Flavor: Citrusy and slightly sweet with a hint of earthiness.

• Purpose: Provides a balanced base flavor to the masala.

2. Cumin Seeds

• Flavor: Warm, nutty, and slightly peppery.

• Purpose: Adds warmth and an earthy depth to the blend.

3. Cardamom Pods (Green and/or Black)

• Green Cardamom: Sweet and floral with a hint of mint.

• Black Cardamom: Smoky and bold with menthol-like undertones.

• Purpose: Enhances the aromatic quality and adds a touch of sweetness or smokiness.

4. Cloves

• Flavor: Pungent, sweet, and warming.

• Purpose: Adds a sharp, intense warmth to the mix.

5. Black Peppercorns

• Flavor: Pungent and mildly spicy.

• Purpose: Contributes heat and sharpness to the spice blend.

6. Cinnamon Sticks

• Flavor: Sweet, woody, and warm.

• Purpose: Brings a comforting sweetness and warmth.

7. Bay Leaves

• Flavor: Mildly floral with hints of eucalyptus.

• Purpose: Adds subtle depth and a mild bitterness.

8. Nutmeg

• Flavor: Sweet, warm, and nutty.

• Purpose: Adds a soft, sweet aroma to balance the stronger spices.

9. Mace

• Flavor: Similar to nutmeg but more intense and slightly spicier.

• Purpose: Lends warmth and depth to the blend.

10. Dried Red Chilies (Optional)

• Flavor: Spicy and earthy.

• Purpose: Enhances the heat level for a spicier masala.

Optional Ingredients

• Star Anise: Adds a sweet licorice flavor.

• Fennel Seeds: Imparts a subtle licorice and sweet flavor.

• Ginger Powder: Adds mild heat and freshness.

• Turmeric: Provides earthy notes and a golden color.

Preparation Steps

1. Roasting:

Lightly dry roast all the whole spices in a skillet on low heat. This step enhances the natural oils and aromas of the spices.

2. Cooling:

Allow the roasted spices to cool completely to prevent clumping during grinding.

3. Grinding:

Use a spice grinder, mortar and pestle, or blender to grind the roasted spices into a fine powder.

4. Storage:

Store the garam masala in an airtight container, away from moisture and light. It can be kept for up to 6 months, although it is best used fresh for maximum flavor.

Usage

Garam masala is typically added toward the end of cooking to retain its aromatic qualities. It is used in dishes like curries, soups, rice, and even beverages like masala chai.

Would you like a specific recipe to try with this garam masala?

Geet Nupur Dance 2024

When Guru Nanak Visited Sri Lanka

Four Udaasi- ‘Spiritual Travels’ one version

Another version is given below:

Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Second Udaasi (spiritual journey) took him to many regions, including Sri Lanka. These journeys were undertaken to spread the universal message of love, humility, and devotion to the Divine.

According to Sikh Janam Sakhi traditions, Guru Ji traveled to the southern regions of India, reaching Rameswaram and eventually crossing the sea to Sri Lanka. 

Guru Nanak Dev ji accompanied by Bhai Mardana

Accompanied by Bhai Mardana, he visited the kingdom of Raja ShivNabh, a ruler known for his ego and atheistic views.

Raja ShivNabh

Raja ShivNabh was an atheist whose ministers warned him not to meet Guru Nanak Dev Ji, fearing his curse. To test Guru Ji, ShivNabh sent ministers with a silver plate of diamonds as an offering, but Guru Ji rejected it, saying, “Tell him to offer himself instead.”

Dancing girls

Next, the king sent dancing prostitutes to tempt Guru Ji, who addressed them as daughters, leaving ShivNabh shaken. For the first time, the fear of God entered his heart. Humbled, he bowed to Guru Ji and requested great service to perform.

Raja ShivNabh making worldly offers.

Guru Ji replied, “Offer something truly yours that will help in the next world.” ShivNabh offered his kingdom, his body, and even his name, but Guru Ji pointed out that none of these were truly his—they were temporary and belonged to the world.

Transformed Raja ShivNabh with his wife

Impressed and intrigued by Guru Ji’s spiritual depth, the king invited him to his palace to share his wisdom with the queen. This encounter further solidified the transformative impact Guru Nanak Dev Ji had on Raja ShivNabh and his kingdom.

Raja ShivNabh surrendering 

Finally, Guru Ji revealed the truth: “Give up your ‘I’—your ego.” Realizing this, ShivNabh surrendered, saying, “Nothing is mine; everything is Yours.” Transformed into a humble servant, he dedicated his rule and life to Guru Nanak. When asked who he belonged to, he answered, “Guru Nanak.” Blessed with divine knowledge (Brahm Gyan), ShivNabh requested only Naam (God’s Name) and to remain at Guru Ji’s feet.

Message of Oneness

Raja ShivNabh and his kingdom became some of the earliest followers of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, in the 16th century. Inspired by the Guru’s teachings oneness, they adopted his message of divine unity, equality, and devotion to the One Creator. Over time, the influence of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s wisdom extended through the royal family and their subjects.

Bhat/Bhatra Connection

Raja ShivNabh’s grandson, Prince Baba Changa, became a devoted missionary and earned the title ‘Bhat Rai’—the ‘Raja of Poets.’ Baba Changa, along with his followers, traveled extensively across India to spread Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings. These efforts led to the establishment of Bhat Sikhs—a community of devoted followers who played a crucial role in propagating the Guru’s message, especially in Northern India. This lineage of missionary poets significantly contributed to the early expansion of Sikhism.

Bhats whose Bani is inserted in Sri Guru Granth Sahib

Bhatts were traditionally poets and bards who praised rulers or warriors in their verses. In Sikhism, however, Bhatts are spiritual poets who composed devotional hymns based on their personal experiences of the Sikh Gurus’ divinity. Their verses, included in the Guru Granth Sahib as Bhatt Bani, celebrate the Gurus’ spiritual wisdom and the path to liberation. 

Bhats whose banis ‘Sawaiyye’are the first to be recited before the Parkash of sacred opening of Guru Granth Sahib every single day in Golden temple even today.