Maghi - Makar Sakranti

For the benefit of my friends who do not know Punjabi, here is English and Hindi version:

Maghi - The martyrdom of forty Sikhs Mukkas - On this day, the last battle was between Sikhs and Mughals. The last fight of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji with Mughals reminds of the martyrdom of the 40 Mukts who were martyred in the battle of Shri Muktsar Sahib - whom Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji was given the title of Mukta on the battlefield.

After leaving Shri Anandpur Sahib, when the mountain kings and Mughal army betrayed and attacked Guru Sahib ji, a fierce fight took place on the bank of Sirsa. In this fierce fight, Guru Sahib's family got separated. Mata Gujri ji and younger Sahibzad went one side, Mata Sundari ji and some Singh towards Delhi and Shri Guru Gobind Singh ji went to fort of Chamkaur Sahib with big Sahibzad and some Singhs. When two eldest sons and many other lions were martyred in the ground of Chamkaur Sahib, Shri Guru Gobind Singh ji was ordered to leave the fort as five lions. With the help of Ghani Khan, Nabi Khan and Pir Buddhu Shah ji, Guru Sahib ji left Chamkaur fort and reached Kangar Dina and became Pir on high.

We got news from here that the royal forces of Sarhind and Delhi are moving forward very fast following Guru ji. Guru Sahib Ji planned to build a front in Khidrana. In this battle, those lions also got martyred on the battlefield to marry that bride on behalf of Guru Sahib ji, who wrote some time back to Guru Sahib ji that we are not your Sikhs and you are not our Guru. Their families closed the doors to their forever homes for this cowardly task, they realized what a big mistake they made.

Inspired by Mai Bhag Kaur ji, these lions fought with full force in this battle to confirm their mistake. In the battlefield, with the grace of Kalgidhar Patshah, the lions showed such a wonder of sword that in the evening they occupied the battlefield and became martyred. Just like Guru Sahib ji took care of hungry, thirsty and wounded lions in Chamkaur fort, similarly in this battle of Muktsar, Guru Sahib ji took care of the bodies of martyr lions and also ointed the wounded lions himself. Brother Mahan Singh was counting his last breath. Guru Patshah ji took brother Mahan Singh's head in his lap and loved him. His face was soaked in blood. Guru Sahib ji wiped his face with his hands and said, "Mahan Singh, what do you want to ask for? "Then the great Singh requested only one, "O true Patshah ji, return the relationship we had broken with you." "Please, reconnect with each other, only then it will wash stains, please forgive me. Then Guru Sahib ji promised, Khalsa ji, you are blessed. Only forty of you are free. Y'all got a high position. After listening to this word, brother Mahan Singh took his last breath of life in the lap of Guru Sahib ji and got martyred.

Every year, in the memory of the unparalleled martyrdom of this war, there seems to be a big addition fair on the land of Shri Muktsar Sahib. A large number of devotees from far and wide bow down here. In history, this war is remembered as the battle of Muktsar. At that time this war took place named Tibbi Sahib, but when 40 Mukts were martyred, this place was named Muktsar Sahib. Muktsar Sahib was named after Shri Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Sahib ji gave many blessings and titles to the lions who were martyred in this war, he also gave the biggest blessing by calling them Chali Mukta. So whenever every Sikh prays, he should pray by remembering these Chali Mukta

Translation in Hindi below:

​माघी – चालीस सिख मुक्तों (चाली मुक्‍ते) का शहादत दिवस

माघी के दिन सिखों और मुग़लों के बीच अंतिम निर्णायक युद्ध हुआ। यह दिन श्री गुरु गोबिंद सिंह जी के मुग़लों के साथ अंतिम संघर्ष तथा श्री मुक्तसर साहिब के युद्ध में शहीद हुए चालीस मुक्तों की महान शहादत की स्मृति दिलाता है, जिन्हें युद्धभूमि में ही श्री गुरु गोबिंद सिंह जी ने “मुक्ता” की उपाधि प्रदान की।

श्री आनंदपुर साहिब छोड़ने के बाद, जब पहाड़ी राजाओं और मुग़ल सेना ने विश्वासघात कर गुरु साहिब जी पर आक्रमण किया, तो सरसा नदी के तट पर भीषण युद्ध हुआ। इस संघर्ष में गुरु साहिब का परिवार बिछुड़ गया। माता गुजरी जी छोटे साहिबज़ादों के साथ एक ओर चली गईं, माता सुंदरी जी कुछ सिंहों के साथ दिल्ली की ओर प्रस्थान कर गईं, और श्री गुरु गोबिंद सिंह जी बड़े साहिबज़ादों तथा कुछ सिंहों के साथ चमकौर साहिब के किले में पहुँचे।

चमकौर साहिब की रणभूमि में दोनों बड़े साहिबज़ादों सहित अनेक वीर सिंहों के शहीद हो जाने के बाद, पाँच सिंहों की आज्ञा से गुरु साहिब जी को किला छोड़ना पड़ा। भाई गनी ख़ान, भाई नबी ख़ान और पीर बुद्धू शाह जी की सहायता से गुरु साहिब जी चमकौर से निकलकर कंगर डीना पहुँचे और उच्च वेश में पीर का रूप धारण किया।

यहाँ से समाचार मिला कि सरहिंद और दिल्ली की शाही सेनाएँ बहुत तेज़ी से गुरु जी का पीछा कर रही हैं। तब गुरु साहिब जी ने खिदराना में मोर्चा लगाने की योजना बनाई। इसी युद्ध में वे सिंह भी रणभूमि में शहीद हुए, जिन्होंने कुछ समय पहले गुरु साहिब जी को यह लिख दिया था कि “हम आपके सिख नहीं हैं और आप हमारे गुरु नहीं हैं।” इस कायरता से उनके परिवारों ने भी उनसे नाता तोड़ लिया। शीघ्र ही उन्हें अपनी बड़ी भूल का अहसास हुआ।

माई भागो कौर जी से प्रेरित होकर, इन सिंहों ने अपनी गलती सुधारने के लिए पूरे पराक्रम से युद्ध किया। रणभूमि में, कलगीधर पातशाह की कृपा से, इन सिंहों ने तलवार का ऐसा अद्भुत कौशल दिखाया कि संध्या होते-होते उन्होंने युद्धभूमि पर अधिकार कर लिया और स्वयं शहीद हो गए। जैसे चमकौर के किले में गुरु साहिब जी ने भूखे, प्यासे और घायल सिंहों की सेवा की थी, वैसे ही मुक्तसर के इस युद्ध में भी गुरु साहिब जी ने शहीद सिंहों के शरीरों की संभाल की और घायलों को अपने हाथों से मरहम लगाया।

भाई महान सिंह अपनी अंतिम साँसें गिन रहे थे। गुरु पातशाह जी ने भाई महान सिंह का सिर अपनी गोद में रखा और स्नेहपूर्वक उन्हें सहलाया। उनका मुख रक्त से भीगा हुआ था। गुरु साहिब जी ने अपने हाथों से उनका चेहरा पोंछा और कहा, “महान सिंह, तुम क्या वरदान चाहते हो?” उस महान सिंह ने केवल एक ही प्रार्थना की—“हे सच्चे पातशाह, जो संबंध हमने आपसे तोड़ लिया था, उसे पुनः जोड़ दीजिए। कृपा कर हमें क्षमा करें।” तब गुरु साहिब जी ने वचन दिया, “खालसा जी, तुम धन्य हो। तुम सभी चालीस मुक्त हो गए हो। तुम्हें उच्च पद प्राप्त हुआ है।” यह वचन सुनते ही भाई महान सिंह ने गुरु साहिब जी की गोद में प्राण त्याग दिए और शहीद हो गए।

हर वर्ष इस अनुपम शहादत की स्मृति में श्री मुक्तसर साहिब की धरती पर विशाल मेला लगता है। दूर-दूर से बड़ी संख्या में श्रद्धालु यहाँ नमन करने आते हैं। इतिहास में यह युद्ध “मुक्तसर की लड़ाई” के नाम से प्रसिद्ध है। उस समय यह स्थान “टिब्बी साहिब” कहलाता था, किंतु चालीस मुक्तों की शहादत के पश्चात इसका नाम “मुक्तसर साहिब” पड़ा। श्री गुरु गोबिंद सिंह जी ने इस युद्ध में शहीद हुए सिंहों को अनेक आशीर्वाद और उपाधियाँ दीं तथा उन्हें “चाली मुक्ते” कहकर सर्वोच्च सम्मान प्रदान किया। इसलिए प्रत्येक सिख को अपनी अरदास में चाली मुक्तों का स्मरण अवश्य करना चाहिए।

Guru Gobind Singh

Dashmesh Pita Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji

Guru Gobind Singh Ji is not only the Guru of the Sikhs,

he is the awakening of the oppressed

and the conscience of all humanity.

In an age of tyranny and division,

he lifted the crushed with courage,

taught equality as divine law,

and declared all humans children of the One Creator.

The birth of the Khalsa in 1699

turned the weak into fearless lions,

standing for truth and justice without fear.

Even after the supreme sacrifice of his four sons,

Guru Ji remained unshaken—

teaching the world that righteousness

is worth every offering.

Bhai Nand Lal Goya captures his eternal glory:

“Haq-haq āgāh Gobind Singh,

Shāhanshāh-e-dīn Gobind Singh.”

(Gobind Singh is the knower of Truth,

the Emperor of the spiritual realm.)

And again he proclaims:

“Degh Tegh Fateh, Nusrat-bedrang,

Yāft az Nanak Guru Gobind Singh.”

(Charity and strength prevail—

this blessing flows from Nanak through Guru Gobind Singh.)

Thus, Guru Gobind Singh Ji remains

the Guru of the downtrodden,

the sword of justice,

and the eternal light for humanity.

Humble salutations on the sacred Prakash Purab

of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Guru of Humanity.

How my Mother Savitri Devi got injured during 1947 Partition Times

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The scar on her nose tip and severed first finger on her right hand is a witness when she along side my Dad, is ready to put a ritual garland on newly weds me and Harvinder after our Anand Karan Sep 9,1972

Remembering My Mother on Her Fortieth ‘Punya Tithi’ - A Tribute

Today, on the fortieth death anniversary, her ‘Punya Tithi’, I remember my beautiful mother Savitri Devi who left us far too young when I was just 41. Her life, like those of millions, was scarred by the unimaginable turmoil of the Partition of 1947.

During those dark days, my father and uncle, only adult men in the family, decided to move to this part of India in search of safety. They decided to come earlier on pilgrimages ahead of schedule partition date and in what can only be called a tragic misjudgment born of chaos and fear, they chose to settle in Faridkot Punjab. They rented a small place, just one room and in that one room my mother and my Chachi ji used to sleep together in a corner, my grandmother also Shared that room. My mother had two small children beside her, while my Chachi ji had one toddler and was pregnant with another. The nights were tense and sleepless, law and order had collapsed, and fear ruled after dark.

One horrifying night, a cruel woman entered the room carrying a ‘toka’ (a sharp cutting weapon). She attacked my mother without mercy.😭. My mother instinctively raised her right hand to protect herself. Her index finger was chopped off in that very first blow. The attacker then struck her face, severely injuring her nose.

The assailant then turned on my Chachi ji PremKaur. By then, Chachi ji had alerted and gathered the courage that only terror can force upon a person in turmoil. She managed to seize the toka from her hands and threw it away. Realizing she had been overpowered, the woman fled into the darkness.

Later, it was strongly suspected that the very woman from whom we had rented the room was the culprit. Chachi ji confirmed this doubt.

In a 1946 Karachi photograph, with my Dad and Grandmother, my Mom poses with my sister Bhagwant in her lap. It is very clear that her right hand fingers are completely visible with no scar on nose.

However, my mother lived on, but the wounds never truly healed. Her severed finger and the scars on nose tip she carried became lifelong, silent witnesses to the savagery of those times, brutal reminders of the price innocent people paid during the madness of 1947.

What  makes this tragedy even more painful is the irony that this brutality was inflicted not by Muslim rioters, as we had feared in those days, but by our own people, those with whom we meant to share a new land and a new begining and for whom we left everything behind which we had amassed for

In this 1940 photograph, taken just before her wedding, her Index finger is whole and unbroken, a sight I was never destined to see in my conscious life time.

On this ‘Punya Tithi’, I bow my head in remembrance! My mother’s suffering was immense, her courage quiet, and her endurance extraordinary. May her soul rest in eternal peace! 

A valuable comment of my first cousin Narinder Butta makes it more interesting.

“Horrible Incident! 

But I never saw sadness in your mother’s  face because of this cruel attack. 

She was the happiest, ever laughing sisters of the family. 

My mother and your mother were the best friends being younger of four.

She always liked me since she saw my resemblance with one Indian famous film actor of those days.

When I came from

Russia on short college holidays, she came to Rajendra Nagar to see me.

You son Shiv’s  voice reminds me of her.“

—Narinder 

Rise of America and its Global Domination

I am glad to witness a welcome hug between Mom and daughter at the San Francisco International Airport in 1988

In recent times, world events made me reflect on the journey of nations and people. I became particularly curious to understand how the United States has evolved into the powerful country it is today. The news about a military force taking over Venezuela and capturing its elected president further strengthened my desire to explore American history.

As in 1988 Harvinder looks delighted to the moon, when stepping first ever on the USA soil, and being welcomed by her Charming Mom Pritam Kaur. 

In the lure of joining the rich American soil, our own family also started migrating to this land of opportunity. That is how families like ours left their homes in Europe and Asia and gradually made America their new destination. This golden land attracted people from across the globe, including me. Even though I was well settled in India with farms, assets, a comfortable government job, and a secure life, I finally decided to migrate to the United States, leaving behind my forms, possessions, and professional stability. My personal migration story is just one small example of how millions took the courageous step to begin life anew here.

During my search to learn more, I came across a detailed and insightful video by Ankit Avasthi. He explained in a simple and interesting manner how European nations became more powerful centuries ago and wanted direct access to Asian markets. They traded with China for silk and with India for herbs, spices, and other valuable goods. They in turn paid through Metal (Gold) and hence  the name Golden sparrow (Sone Ki Chiria). The urge to find shorter trade routes eventually led to explorations across the Atlantic.

The evolving of United States of America

Columbus set sail in search of India, but when he reached the American continent, he mistakenly believed he had arrived in India. That is why the native tribes here were called “Indians,” and terms like “Red Indians” came into use. Over time, European settlers established themselves in different regions. The original 13 colonies on the East Coast were primarily influenced by the English. In the central part of present-day America, French-speaking settlers created their communities, while in the southern belt from Florida to Texas, the Spanish established strong control.

My first venture in USA fully supported by In-Law’s family into Liquir Store at Moorpark, San Jose in 1992.

Gradually these diverse colonies united, leading to the formation of the United States of America. Expansion moved steadily toward the West, and California was later added. Alaska became the 49th state after being purchased from Russia, and Hawaii was admitted as the 50th and final state, completing the present map of the nation.

A painting

What makes this history even more interesting is the story of the American dollar. After the First World War, many brilliant minds from Europe, including scientists like Einstein, migrated to America, bringing exceptional talent and innovation. Over time, financial systems such as the SWIFT network and the creation of the petrodollar system strengthened the global position of the dollar. These developments turned the currency into a powerful economic tool and helped America expand its influence worldwide.

Having tasted success at multi-businesses, I am grateful to Waheguru ji to initiate my left over efforts in the service of  family, Charity and welfare of humanity.

Alongside the growth of the nation, immigrant families played a remarkable role. The first two generations of new immigrants, initially Europeans and Chinese, and lately South Asians like me, worked extremely hard to establish themselves. Through dedication, enterprise, and resilience, these communities have done wonders in adding to the growth of this golden land. Their contributions in science, technology, business, agriculture, and culture helped shape America as it proudly stands today.

Overall, this video provided valuable insights into American history and explained how economic and political strategies, combined with the efforts of immigrants from around the world, shaped the nation’s global power. It offered a fascinating glimpse into the journey of the United States and the remarkable rise of the dollar.

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A well researched Video by Ankit Avasthy

Shilpy parents visits us in Christmas Times 2025

​Harvinder and Shiv welcome Harkirat Veer ji and Bali Bhenji, while Bhalu gets introduced.

After a long gap of nearly 7–8 years, Shilpy’s parents, Harkirat Vijji and Bali Bhenji, visited us. Their arrival brought excitement all over the place. It was especially heartwarming that both Gobind and Jania were present at home during this visit, making the occasion even more meaningful for their maternal grand parents. 

Sherwood Ct decorated with Christmas lights.

With their coming, the entire house was filled with joy and enthusiasm. The Christmas lights that we had recently used to decorate our home added extra warmth and sparkle to the festive atmosphere.

On Christmas get-together, whole Kapoor Clan was enthusiastic. Sharini volunteered to play the game of exchange of gifts.

During this period of celebrations, we enjoyed several happy events together. Along with attending Christmas parties, The whole Kapoor family gathered at our house, and Harvinder’s brothers joined us as well, which made it feel like a grand family reunion.  We also celebrated Jania’s birthday on 2nd January. 

Jania opens her gift

After spending memorable holidays with us, Shilpy’s mom and dad left for Toronto to join their second daughter, Shruti. Before departing, Harkirat Vijji sent me a very thoughtful personal note, which I wanted to share on my blog exactly as written. I have also posted my reply to him alongside it.

When Shilpy’s Rima Bhua Ji along with her son Sonu Bindra, also visited us first time ever.

Overall, it was a truly happy and blessed visit that reconnected the family after many years and gave us moments we will cherish for a long time.

On Jania’s 20th Birthday, the family gets together at Jania’s favorite Hot Pot, Dublin Ca

Here is the note received from Harkirat Vir ji:

06 Jan 26 

My dear Vir Ji & Bhen Ji, 

   Bali and I thank you sincerely for the very memorable and long holiday with the Family. 🌹  It was wonderful being in your midst and witnessing the fall landscape! What a tremendous difference from what we got to see in our previou spring/summer visits. The delicious oranges made up for it! 😇.   

   As usual, it was great exchanging notes with Shiv and you. They were very educative sessions. 🌷 

   It was wonderful meeting the kiddos, with Gobind’s and Jania’s presence being the icing on the cake! We are particularly thankful to Gobind that he took all the trouble to fly down to meet us. Very sweet of him. He has grown up into a very responsible adult. 

   Jania and Geet were good company. It is very heartening to see Jania’s progress in the University. We pray that Waheguru Ji continue to always bless them.  

  Our heartfelt thanks go out to Bhen Ji. A most gracious and immaculate hostess. 🙏 

   Shilpy, of course, was very pleasant company. We deeply appreciate her showing us around Workday and driving us to Solvang and The Rocket Town! 💕. Reminiscent of old European architecture that I last saw in a street at Kolkata in 2006. 

   Many happy memories of Bhalu and Tweety too. Bhalu took some time accepting me, but then, he did! 😍. Tweety is still reluctant to get friendly! 🥸. 

   With our regards and good wishes. 

 

Happy Landings 

Harkirat  

Reply:

Dear Veer ji and Bhenji,

It was a very entertaining and enjoyable visit with you and Bhenji during the Christmas holidays of 2025. We truly appreciated the warmth, laughter, and long conversations we shared together.

We will especially miss those extended talks, as the current geo-political situation is in the midst of turmoil rarely seen in our times. Moments like these remind us how valuable family connections and thoughtful discussions are.

Thank you once again for making our holidays so memorable.

Happy landings. Keep in touch.

Warm regards,

PM and Dari

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Happy Birthday to our most beautiful, ultra-smart, super-caring first daughter and the greatest baker! As she leaves her teens and steps into her twenties, she continues to fill the long-felt gap of a daughter in our home with love, warmth, and grace. 

I still vividly remember the day she was brought home as a newborn from John Muir Hospital, Walnut Creek, a remarkably beautiful baby with a round, radiant, glowing face. 

When Gobind came with a gift for her, he was pleasantly surprised to discover a hidden gift that Shilpy, her mom, had thoughtfully suggested and already bought for her elder brother, revealing her loving, caring nature and deep sense of family from the very beginning. We are truly blessed to have her in our lives.