Jatta Aayi Baisaki!

Every year we celebrate around 3 new years. Imagine that! There is the official new year, followed by Chaitra Navratras and then Baisaki. Three very beautiful occasions to celebrate life, be thankful for all that we have and start afresh. My father's side of the family is part Sikh and hence the amalgamation of traditions often happens. While my mum's side of the family is mostly from Amritsar, so whenever we were there Golden Temple was a must. Even during Diwali, we do laksmi puja and then we start with Sikh traditions. I remember my dad's cousins and their never ending keenu farms in Horshiarpur, how we used to load up on tractors and then play in the fields, collect loads of fruits and end up splashing around in the tube-well. Summer vacations in the hometown were amazing. You get pampered like crazy which in case you are a Punju translates into loads of white butter on whatever you eat especially when you are from the city. I remember this time when we had gone for some wedding in Ludhiana and moved to meet the family all over Punjab, close to Baisaki and the atmosphere was divine. Lush green and yellow fields, welcoming blossoms and warm people, cheering on, partying and dancing to the beats of Dhol. I learnt all of my bhangra moves from my cousins there. City life is very different. The rituals differ, at least some remain same. The tradition to wake up early and wear new clothes and visit Gurudwara to seek his divine grace has been a tradition that no matter where we are, we follow. How can you forego Kada prasad anyway, rigtht? 

Another year goes by and we keep asking for new things every year, that's what I thought when I asked what I wanted this year. The list keeps changing and altering, with hopes that our dreams will be fulfilled so this year I promised myself that I won't ask for anything except his blessings just as I was about to pray. He knows what we need, so I decided to let him do his job. 

Sometimes, it's good to let go and leave everything to him. For he has bird's view and knows what we need more than what is wanted. So, this year I asked for the well being of whoever I know, protection for my babies, family, friends and a little of his favour for me.

Tu Thaakur Tum Peh Ardas
Jeeo Pind Sabh Tayree Raas
Thum Maath Pithaa Ham Baarik Thaerae
Tumaree Kirpaa Meh Sukh Ghanayrey
Koe N Jaanay Tumraa Unt
Oochay Tey Oochaa Bhagavant
Sagal Samagree Tumaray Soothr Dhaaree
Tum Tey Hoe So Aageyakaaree
Tumaree Gath Mith Tum Hee Jaanee
Nanak Daas Sadhaa Kurbaanee