Bollywood Vinyls For Sale

Watched this at the cinema yesterday!!

What a movie!! 3.5 hours long but had me glued to my seat all the way through!!

The movie’s smashing records left, right & centre!! If you haven’t watched it, I recommend.

Ranbir Kapoor, Anil S Kapoor & Rashmika Mandanna absolutely smash it, and Bobby Deol does well in his small but significant role!!

But above all, it’s Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘crew’ who bring the proper JOSH to the movie.

Won’t say more, coz don’t wanna spoil it for anyone who hasn’t watched it yet.

If you’ve seen it what did you think of it?

Sariyan Nun ‘Sahibzaade Zorawar Singh Ji’ De Parkash Purab Diyan Lakh Lakh Vadhayi Hove.

Congratulations to all on the ‘Birth Anniversary’ of ‘Sahibzaade Zorawar Singh Ji’ - the 3rd Son of the 10th Sikh Guru - ‘Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’.

Born on the 28th November 1696; at the young age of 7, he set an example of how to fight against tyranny & oppression, and didn’t give into bullying or denounce his faith.

A very apt life lesson in today’s day & age.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

🙏🏽🙏🏽

At the time of the birth of ‘Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’, some of the rulers were cruel, some religious leaders were corrupt, and jointly they were exploiting the public, who were totally dependent on them, and had no voice.

As a result of this, people were shackled with countless number of blind faiths, rituals, superstitions, hypocrisy, casteism, forbidden deeds, ritualistic worships, and bonded by the belief in some auspicious days, fasts, traditions, and sanskars.

Guru Ji awakened humanity to abolish discrimination on the basis of caste, inequality, and exploitation in the name of religion.

By associating with the perceived lowest of the low, he rejected the manmade standards of high end law, and tested humanity on the practice of earning an honest living (Kirat Karo), and giving from it to the needy (Vand Chhako).

For Guru Ji, Meditation (Naam Japo) on God’s name, was not a ritual, but a practice of enshrining God in one’s inner self, by following the other 2 principles.

Those who met or associated with Guru Ji, understood the secret of liberation in, and living an ordinary family life. In reverence, gratitude, devotion, and faith, they couldn’t resist saying, “Dhan Guru Nanak, Dhan Guru Nanak”.

Guru Ji’s life, baani & teachings have the power of transforming our personal & social life, and making it a success, even in today’s day & age.

‘Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’ is regarded as a Universal Guru, because his thinking & message, were not for a specific group, religion, caste, community, state, country, or society, but rather, for the entire world.

On the auspicious occasion of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 554th Birth Anniversary, I wish you all sincere congratulations, from me & my family.

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji De 554th Parkash Purab Diyan Sariyan Nun Lakh Lakh Vadhayian.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

🙏🏽🙏🏽

Bhagat Namdev Ji De Janam Dihare Diyan Sariyan Nun Lakh Lakh Vadhayian.

Congratulations to all on the Birth Anniversary of Bhagat Namdev Ji; one of the 15 Bhagat Sahibans (Saints), whose Baani is contained in the ‘Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’.

Born in October 1270; 61 of his Shabads are contained in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which were collected by ‘Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’ (the first Sikh Guru) on his preaching travels.

In fact, the first ever record of Bhagat Namdev Ji’s teachings is actually in the ‘Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’.

He unequivocally advocated that, one can meditate on God’s name whilst performing his daily, worldly duties.

This is explained in the Shabad titled, ‘Aanile Kagad Katile Goodi’ in Raag Raamkali, on Ang (page) 972, of the ‘Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’.

You can listen to an explanation of the Shabad here:

https://youtu.be/QrXj335RP5g

And you can listen to the Shabad here:

https://youtu.be/3FtwWAH0YAE

On Bhagat Namdev Ji’s Birth Anniversary, let us remember his teachings, and try to live by them.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ju Ki Fateh

🙏🏽🙏🏽

On the 18th of November we celebrated the Janam Dehara of ‘Baba Gurditta Ji’, who was one of the sons of the 6th Sikh Guru - ‘Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji’, and was given to Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s son - ‘Sri Chand Ji’, who was the founder of the ‘Udaasi Matt’.

As ‘Sri Chand Ji’ was getting older, he requested ‘Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji’ to give one of his sons to him.

Complying with the request, Guru Ji gave ‘Baba Gurditta Ji’ to ‘Sri Chand Ji’, who later became Sri Chand Ji’s successor.

‘Baba Gurditta Ji’ is also:

1. The father of the 7th Sikh Guru - ‘Sri Guru Har Rai Ji’.

2. The grandfather of the 8th Sikh Guru - ‘Sri Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji’.

3. The brother of the 9th Sikh Guru - ‘Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’.

4. The Uncle of the 10th Sikh Guru - ‘Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’

There stands a Gurudwara Sahib in Kiratpur, in Baba Gurditta Ji’s memory, called ‘Gurudwara Sri Baba Gurditta’.

On this auspicious occasion, I wish you all heartfelt congratulations.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

🙏🏽🙏🏽

Today marks the ‘Joti Jot Samauna Divas’ of the 10th Sikh Guru - ‘Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’, the day which corresponds to the night of the 6th of October in 1708. The day he left his physical form in this world, at the age of 42, in Nanded.

Here is a bit of background on the events leading up to his death.

After Auranzeb’s death, his son Bahadur Shah became the emperor, and rebuilt cordial relations with Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, which frightened Nawab Wazir Khan of Sirhand (who had ordered the killing of Sahibzaade, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji & Baba Fateh Singh Ji), and his army.

Wazir Khan sent 2 pathans to kill Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. One evening when Sikhs were busy in evening prayers, the pathans made their way to Guru Ji’s tent. One stood outside, whilst the other went in & stabbed Guru Ji.

Guru Ji was wounded, but he still managed to kill the pathan with his sword. The other was captured by the Sikhs, who then told them who had sent them, and why. Later, he was also killed by the Sikhs.

Guru Ji’s wound was quite deep, hence, a physician was called to clean, stitch & dress the wound.

Although everyone was aggrieved by the attack on Guru Ji’s life; ‘Banda Singh’ took a pledge to go to Punjab, and take revenge from all those who had hurt Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s family in any way. He pleaded to Guru Ji to allow him to follow through with his pledge. This is how & why, Banda Singh was sent to Punjab.

Before his departure from Nanded, Guru Ji gave him the title of ‘Bahadhur’, 5 arrows, one Nagara (war drum), one Nishan Sahib, and Hukumname (personal orders) addressed to various Sikh leaders in Punjab, asking them to help ‘Baba Banda Singh Bahadhur Ji’ & his associates.

He also appointed Bhai Binod Singh Ji, Bhai Kahn Singh Ji, Bhai Baaj Singh Ji, Bhai Daya Singh Ji & Bhai Rann Singh Ji, as the ‘Panj Pyare’, to accompany him, and instructed Baba Banda Singh Bahadhur Ji to always follow their advice. Thus, once again confirming the supreme authority of the ‘Panj Pyare’.

In the meantime, Guru Ji’s wound was healing, but one day, when Guru Ji decided to administer an arrow with his Bow, the stitches re-opened. The wound was stitched again, however, Guru Ji knew his end was near, so he called the congregation, abolished the tradition of a human Guru, and passed on the Guruship to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, who we still revere as our present day Guru Sahib till date.

His last rites were carried out by the Sikh Sangat who had congregated there.

At the place of his cremation, now stands, Sri Hazur Sahib Gurudwara, which is one of the 5 ‘Takhats’ of the Sikhs.

As we commemorate this day today, let us continue to remind ourselves of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s contributions to Sikhi, and try to follow the teachings of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to the best of our abilities.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

🙏🏽🙏🏽

Today marks the Shaheedi Divas of ‘Baba Deep Singh Ji’.

He was the 1st leader of the ‘Shaheedan Misl’ & ‘Damdami Taksal’.

He received Amrit at the hands of the 10th Sikh Guru, ‘Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’, in 1699, and also learned weaponry, horse riding & other martial arts from Guru Ji.

He learned to read & write Gurmukhi from ‘Bhai Mani Singh Ji’, and in 1705, also helped Bhai Ji in making copies of the ‘Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’.

In 1709, ‘Baba Deep Singh Ji’ joined ‘Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji’ during the ‘Battle of Sadhaura’, and the ‘Battle of Chappar Chiri’.

In 1733, ‘Sardar Nawab Kapur Singh Ji’ appointed him the leader of the Jatha, before appointing him as the 1st leader of the ‘Shaheedan Misl’ in 1748.

After ‘Ahmed Shah Durrani’, in 1757, raided Northern India for the 4th time, ‘Baba Deep Singh Ji’, and his Jatha, freed male & female captives, as well as valuables, that Durrani’s army were taking back with them.

Angered by this, ‘Ahmed Shah Durrani’ ordered for the demolition of the ‘Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji’ (The Golden Temple), whereby the Gurudwara Sahib was blown up, and the entrails (intestines & internal organs) of slaughtered animals were thrown into the ‘Sarovar’ (sacred pool) around ‘Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji’.

It was whilst avenging this act, at the age of 70, in ‘The Battle Of Amritsar’ (1757), that ‘Baba Deep Singh Ji’ attained ‘Shaheedi’.

The ‘Shaheedan Misl’ is so called, due to it’s first 2 leaders attaining ‘Shaheedi’.

‘Baba Deep Singh Ji’ Di Shahadat Nu Koti Koti Pranam’.

Let’s pay our respects to Baba Deep Singh Ji’s selfless sacrifice.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

🙏🏽🙏🏽

Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji De Gurgaddi Divas Di Sariyan Nun Lakh Lakh Vadhayi Hove Ji.

Congratulations to all on the Anniversary of the day when, in 1708, the Guruship was passed on to the ‘Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’ by the 10th Sikh Guru, ‘Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’.

Some interest points to note are:

1. For Sikhs, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is not just a holy book, but revered as the living embodiment of the 10 Guru Sahibans.

2. This is the only religious scripture that has the title of a Guru.

3. It contains the Baani of the first 5 & the 9th Guru Sahibans, 15 Bhagat Sahibans, 11 Bhat Sahibans, and 3 Gursikhs.

4. A standard Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’s beed, always has 1430 pages.

5. The Baani is in 31 main raags, some mixed raags, and many sub raags. Some of the Baani is also without any raags.

6. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was dictated by & written in the presence of the divine messengers of the religion, i.e. the Guru Sahibans, in their own lifetime, hence, no one has the authority to change even a single word of it, therefore, it has remained the same since it was written.

7. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is a unique living testimony of equality, showing respect to all, as it not only contains the Baani of the Sikh Guru Sahibans, but also, Muslim & Hindu Saints, without any discrimination based on caste or religion.

On this day, let’s try within ourselves, to understand the universal message contained in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and to follow it to the best of our abilities.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

🙏🏽🙏🏽

And now for the 2nd Festival we’re celebrating today.

A Very Happy Diwali to you & your families.

Sariyan Nun Diwali Diyan Lakh Lakh Vadhaiyan.

May Waheguru Ji enlighten us all to be better people, do good for others, prosper in whatever we set out to do, and last, but by no means least, get better at understanding his teachings, or the teachings of whatever religion, faith or belief you follow, in order to reach a contented place spiritually 🙏🏽

Have a blessed & safe celebration x

Waheguru Ji 🙏🏽🙏🏽

Bandi Chhor Divas Diyan Sariyan Nu Lakh Lakh Vadhayi Hove Ji.

A Very Happy Bandi Chhor Divas to all.

Sikhs celebrate this auspicious day as it was the day our 6th Guru - ‘Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji’ was released from the ‘Fort Of Gawalior’, where he had been put under false imprisonment by the Moghul ruler of that time, ‘Emperor Jahangir’.

The most humbling part is, that even though Emperor Jahangir’s wife, ‘Nur Jahan’ persuaded him to release Guru Ji, ‘Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji’ only agreed to be freed, if the 52 Hindu Kings / Chiefs who were also in prison at the same time, be freed along with him.

After negotiations & discussions between Guru Ji & the Emperor, it was agreed that anyone who could leave the fort holding the Guru Ji, would be released. Guru Ji then had a robe made with 52 hems, holding which, all 52 Hindu Kings / Chiefs, were released.

‘Emperor Jahangir’ was so impressed with this act of Guru Ji, that he, along with his wife, and these Kings & Chiefs, all visited ‘Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji’, Amritsar. This day is what we still celebrate as ‘Bandi Chhor Divas’.

A true example of Human Rights and one that should never be forgotten by anyone, regardless of faith.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa,
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

🙏🏽🙏🏽

Congratulations to all on the ‘Gurgaddi Divas’ of the 8th Sikh Guru - ‘Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji’, which was today in ‘1661’. The day he was throned as the Guru Ji, at the mere age of 5, after his father ‘Sri Guru Har Rai Ji’, the 7th Sikh Guru, appointed him the next Guru Ji before he left this world in his physical form.

Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji is remembered for:

1. Breaking the ego of Pandit Kishan Lal, at Panjokhara, near Ambala, by making an illiterate water carrier by the name of Chhaju, interpret verses from the Bhagavad Gita.

2. Eliminating Raja Jai Singh’s wife’s doubt about Guru Ji’s intelligence, by identifying her as the Queen, whilst she was dressed as & sitting in a group of maids, instead of choosing someone from a group of women who were dressed like queens.

3. Showing his bravery, by rejecting Aurangzeb’s repeated invitations to meet him.

4. Showing obedience by following his father, Sri Guru Har Rai Ji’s instruction to never meet Aurangzeb.

5. His selfless service during the Smallpox epidemic in Delhi, by serving & consoling the victims of Smallpox, even at the expense of contracting the disease himself.

6. Proclaiming, ‘Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’, as the 9th Sikh Guru, through the words, “Baba Bakale”, referring to his grandfather, who was at Bakala.

Key learnings that can be taken from ‘Sri Guru Har Krishan Sahib Ji’, are:

1. We should offer selfless service for the sick & needy, which can be seen even today, with the Sikh community’s help, irrespective of religion, caste, colour, creed, etc., during any crisis.

2. Facing any challenges, with full faith in God.

3. Bravery & obedience.

4. Spirituality is independent of one’s worldly age.

5. You are never too young to achieve your goals.

On Guru Ji’s Gurgaddi Divas, let us remind ourselves of Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji’s contributions, and try to benefit from his messages, by following them in practice.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

🙏🏽🙏🏽

Today is the ‘Joti Jot Samauna Divas’ of the 7th Sikh Guru - ‘Sri Guru Har Rai Ji’. The day he left his physical form in this world, in 1661, at the age of 31, dying of natural causes.

Below are some of the things ‘Sri Guru Har Rai Ji’ is known, remembered & respected for:

1. His compassionate nature, not only towards humans, but also towards animals, vegetation & the ecosystem in general, so in a way, could be seen as setting the foundation for organisations such as today’s ‘RSPCA’.

2. He was a renowned physician, who’s medicine cured ‘Dara Shikoh’, the son of ‘Emperor Shah Jahan’, who could not be cured by any other doctors.

3. He can also be accredited with solidifying the Sikh Faith in ‘Afghanistan’, by sending one of his devotees - ‘Bhai Gonda Ji’ to ‘Kabul’, who spread the principles & practices of Sikh faith there.

4. He also had a warrior side to him, and he continued to manage the army set up by his ‘Grandfather’ - ‘Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji’ (the 6th Sikh Guru).

5. His utmost respect for Gurbani, as he disowned his elder, scholarly son, ‘Ram Rai Ji’, who to please Aurangzeb, changed just one word from Gurbani.

6. He took a promise from his younger son, ‘Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji’, (who became the 8th Sikh Guru), that he would never see Aurangzeb in his lifetime, which, ‘Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji’ duly kept.

From Guru Ji’s life, we can learn to have compassion for everything, especially if we want to save planet Earth, i.e. protecting Mother Nature.

We can also learn to respect Gurbani, and always be ready to help the needy.

As we commemorate this day today, let us continue to remind ourselves of Sri Guru Har Rai Ji’s contributions, and try to benefit from his messages, by following them in practice.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

🙏🏽🙏🏽

‘Sri Guru Ram Das Ji’ De Parkash Purab’ Te Saariyan Nun, Lakh Lakh Vadhaiyan.

Congratulations to all on the Birth Anniversary of the 4th Sikh Guru - ‘Sri Guru Ram Das Ji’.

Born in ‘1534’ to ‘Mata Daya Ji’ & ‘Bhai Hari Das Ji, in Chuna Mandi, Lahore.

His birth name was ‘Jetha’, and he was orphaned at the age of 7, so, was brought up by his maternal grandmother.

He was married to ‘Bibi Bhani Ji’, the daughter of ‘Sri Guru Amar Das Ji’ (the 3 Sikh Guru), and had 3 sons - Prithi Chand, Mohan Dev & Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji (the 5th Sikh Guru).

His name changed from ‘Bhai Jetha’ to ‘Ram Das’ after he became the Guru Ji in 1574.

His key contributions to Sikhi / mankind are:

1. Establishment of the city of Amritsar.

2. Economic development by inviting to settle, people, from 52 different trades.

3. Started ‘Dasvandh Pratha’, which is the tradition of giving 10% of your earnings to charity.

4. Appointed ‘Masands’, who used to spread the Guru’s word, and also collect ‘Dasvandh’ & other offerings to bring to Guru Ji.

5. Further liberation of women by abolishing the ‘Dowry System’.

6. His ‘Baani’ is in 30, out of the 31 Raags, in the ‘Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’. The 31st Raag, ‘Jaijavanti’, was only used by the 9th Guru - ‘Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’.

7. One of his most popular Baanis is ‘Lavan’, which is an inseparable part of the ‘Anand Karaj’ Ceremony (Sikh Religious Wedding Ceremony).

8. Some of his other specific Baanis are, ‘Pehre’, ‘Wanjara’, ‘Kar Halai’, ‘Ghoriyan’, and ‘Sohilai’.

9. Out of the 22 Vaars (Ballads), in the ‘Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, 8 are by ‘Sri Guru Ram Das Ji’.

10. Raised his voice against casteism.

11. Continued the tradition of passing on the Guruship to the most deserving person, by passing it onto his youngest son, ‘Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji’, instead of his oldest son, ‘Prithi Chand’.

Key learnings that can be taken from ‘Sri Guru Ram Das Ji’, are:

1. Faith in God, under the most dire circumstances, i.e. he was orphaned at the age of 7, but never lost faith in God.

2. He’s a role model for earning an honest living, i.e. he, himself, used to sell spiced black chhole for a few years after becoming an orphan.

3. You can lead a family life, and still achieve salvation.

4. No one is born in a high or low caste. One’s caste is determined by one’s deeds.

5. Spiritual & Economic Development go hand in hand.

As we celebrate this day, let us remind ourselves of Sri Guru Ram Das Ji’s contributions, and try to benefit from his messages, by following them in practice.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

🙏🏽🙏🏽

Congratulations to all on the Birth Anniversary of ‘Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh Ji’; a devout Sikh & prominent Sikh Martyr from Village Poohla, near Amritsar, who’s father had died when he was young.

He earned his living by farming. His mother & sister, whom he lived with, earned their living by grinding grain for others.

They paid their taxes, and lived a very humble & simple life.

Most of their earnings were used to supply food & clothing to the Sikhs taking shelter in the Jungles from Zakariah Khan’s Moghul government, as he was hell bent on eradicating Sikhs from this world.

Zakariah Khan had already stated that anyone who brought the head of a Sikh would be rewarded, and anyone who gave them shelter, food, or associated with them in any other way would be given the death punishment.

When Sikhs took shelter in forests, the forests were set on fire on Zakariah Khan’s orders, so many Sikhs then jumped into rivers and died. The ones who survived, moved to hilly areas for their safety.

Zakariah Khan was perplexed, that even after so many attempts to eradicate the Sikhs, and with so many restrictions posed upon them; how were they still surviving?

Although they had moved to hilly areas, the big question on his mind was, who is catering for their food & clothing, as they were not allowed on the mainland?

This is when his spy Harbhagat Niranjania informed him of what Bhai Taru Singh Ji & his family were doing. Hearing this, Zakariah Khan was astonished, as well as angry, and sent Harbhagat Nirnajania, with 20 soldiers, to arrest Bhai Taru Singh Ji.

He was brought to Lahore, where his torture began.

Bhai Taru Singh Ji tried to reason with Zakariah Khan, that he earned his living honestly, he paid all his taxes, and whatever he saved, he shared with the needy, hence, why should he be punished?

As Zakariah Khan didn’t have answers to his questions, he used this opportunity to try & convert Bhai Taru Singh Ji into Islam, by telling him he would be pardoned, given many riches, and married to a Muslim or Pathan girl, if he converted.

Bhai Taru Singh Ji simply said, instead of asking me to convert to Islam, tell me a way in which I can retain my Sikh Faith & Kesh (Hair), until my last breath.

On hearing Bhai Taru Singh Ji’s conviction for his faith & Kesh, Zakariah Khan ordered that his head should be scalped along with his hair.

The order was complied with, however, Bhai Taru Singh Ji kept reciting Gurbani (Prayers), and on the 1st July, 1745, he breathed his last.

Members of the public, regardless of religion, started saying that Moghul cruelty had crossed all limits, and their end was near.

There was no doubt in anybody’s mind that the Khalsa would survive.

This became true, as Sikhs are still here today, as the 5th largest religion in the world, and the phrase - ‘Khoprian Luhaiyan’ has become an inseparable part of the Sikh daily prayers.

On Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh Ji’s Birth Anniversary, let us take inspiration from his ‘Shahadat’ (Martyrdom), to be true to our faith, regardless of which one we follow, and encourage our younger generations to do so, no matter what challenges life poses us.

Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh Ji Di Shahadat Nu, Koti Koti Pranam 🙏🏽🙏🏽

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

🙏🏽🙏🏽

Now then people, I know this LP featured as part of one of my other posts the other day, however, I’ve realised I misspelt some of my titles on eBay 🤦🏽‍♂️

This is one of them, and apparently it’s one of the first LPs to come out of India which fused classical & Jazz music together, hence, very sought after (or so I’m led to believe), so I thought I’d do a quick separate post for it so people who want it know it’s listed!!

Shankar Jaikishan & Rais Khan - Raga Jazz Style (1968).

Here’s the link:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285488492089?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=0XzQPSrjRMO&sssrc=2051273&ssuid=0XzQPSrjRMO&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

The auction ends tonight - 4th October 2023.

Good luck if you decide to bid 👍🏽

Congratulations to all on the ‘Gurgaddi Divas’ of the 2nd Sikh Guru - ‘Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji’, which was today, in ‘1539’. The day he was throned as the Guru Ji, at the age of 35, after the 1st Sikh Guru, ‘Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’, appointed him the next Guru Ji before he left this world in his physical form.

He was chosen as Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s successor after passing a number of tests which Guru Ji’s own sons refused to do, including:

1. Picking up a bowl which was covered in mud, without any questions, on Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s instruction.

2. Disposing of a dead rat.

3. Carrying bundles of wet grass on his head, without giving any thought to his clothes getting dirty.

He was renamed ‘Angad’, from ‘Lehna’, by ‘Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’, when he was chosen to be his successor & next Guru Sahiban. ‘Ang’ meaning limb / part of the body.

His key contributions to Sikhi / Mankind are:

1. Giving a proper structure to Gurmukhi Script.

2. Giving special attention to the education of women, which was non-existent until then, thus, continuing with enhancing equality for women; something previously started by ‘Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’.

3. Along with spiritual enhancement, he gave equal attention to physical well-being by encouraging games & wrestling matches, and setting up ‘Mall Akharas’ (wrestling arenas), where these could take place.

4. Along with his wife ‘Mata Khivi Ji’, Guru Ji continued & maintained the institution of Langar, which had been initiated by ‘Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’.

5. He has written ‘63’ of the ‘Saloks’ that feature in the ‘Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji’.

His main messages were; one should partake in selfless service to humanity, wholly submit to God’s will, and totally reject self glorification & flattery.

One key message to be taken, is that we should be spiritually wise & physically strong, i.e. take care of our Spiritual, as well as, Physical well being,

And above all, we should have unconditional obedience to Guru Ji’s instructions.

On Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji’s Gurgaddi Divas, let us remind ourselves of Guru Ji’s contributions, and try to benefit from his messages, by following them in practice.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

🙏🏽🙏🏽

Here’s my final set of instrumental vinyls for sale, this time featuring various types of Guitars, Violin, Flute, Jaltarang, Santoor, Harmonium, Mouth Organ, amongst others:

1. Batuk Nandy - Film Hits on Hawaiian Guitar

2. Batuk Nandy & Nilanjan Nandy - Hindi Film Hits on Hawaiian & Spanish Electric Guitar

3. Brij Bhushan Kabra - The Master’s Touch (Guitar)

4. Brij Bhushan Kabra - Scaling New Horizons with Guitar

5. Sunil Ganguly - Encore! Tunes From Hindi Films on Electric Guitar

6. Anil Mohile - Hypnotic Vibrations: Film Tunes on Violin

7. Shivkumar Sharma & Zakir Hussain - Kirwani (Santoor & Tabla) - Live Concert - GATEFOLD COVER

8. Himangshu Biswas - Santoor

9. Master Mohammad Sadiq - Harmonium - RARE Pakistani Pressing

10. Raghunath Seth - The Many Splendoured Flute

11. Himangshu Biswas & Dulal Roy - Flute & Jaltarang

12. The Floating Flute of Shridhar Kenkare

13. Saikat Mukherjee - Magic Moments: Mouth Organ Tunes from Hindi Films

14. Shivkumar Sharma, Hariprasad Chaurasia & Brijbushan Kabra - Call Of The Valley (Santoor, Flute & Guitar)

15. V. Balsara & His Orchestra - Raga Mood (Various Instruments)

16. Ravi Shankar’s Music Festival From India (Various Instruments)

Another good mix of artists and styles ranging from classical to filmy to fusion to live, amongst others.

I’ve listened to some of these and the one featuring film tunes are my personal favourites. I used to learn the guitar at school & my brother the violin, so those ones stood one particularly, if only to show me what we could’ve done had we’d pursed our classics more, or took the lessons more seriously!!

When writing the descriptions for these & the other LPs I’m selling, the main thing that stood out is that a lot of these artists have worked together, and some can play multiple instruments!!

Ravi Shankar’s Music Festival from India is interesting in that it has been produced be George Harrison of ‘The Beatles’.

Drop some comments if you can play any of these instruments or know of these artists.

And if you’d like to add any of these to your personal collections, please click on the link below, or message me for he individual eBay links:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/bollywoodvinylsforsale-uk/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

The auctions end this Wednesday - 4th October 2023, so good luck if you decide to bid on any 👍🏽

Here’s another collection of Indian Classical / Fusion LPs, where the emphasis has been put on 2 or more instruments:

1. Ravi Shankar, Amjad Ali Khan & Alla Rakha in Concert (Sitar, Sarod & Tabla) - DOUBLE LP SET IN GATEFOLD COVER

2. Ravi Shankar & Alla Rakha - Ragas & Talas (Sitar & Tabla)

3. Ravi Shankar & Alla Rakha - Sound of the Sitar (Sitar & Tabla)

4. Kalyani Roy & V. Balsara - Jugal Bandhi (Sitar & Piano)

5. Jaya Bose & Himangshu Biswas - Sitar & Flute

6. Debabrata Chaudhuri & Faiyaz Khan - Sitar Music Meditations (Sitar & Tabla)

7. Buddy Rich & Alla Rakha - Rich A La Rakha (Drums, Dholak & Tabla)

8. Yvette Mimieux, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan & Mahapurush Misra - Baudelaire’s Flowers Of Evil (Les Fleurs Du Ma) - Narration, Sarod & Tabla - GATEFOLD COVER

9. Himangshu Biswas, Rabin Ghosh & Shyamal Bose - Flute-Violin Duo (Flute, Violin & Tabla)

Once again, a mixture of legendary musicians, doing what they do best. As mentioned earlier & in the previous post, a lot of fusion & experimentation went on back in the 60s, especially between Indian Clasiscal & Western instruments, and some of that is encompassed on these LPs.

It’s interesting to read about how some of these collaborations came about, from the back of the sleeve on some of these.

I’d be interested in knowing, how many people on my friends list are into this type of music. Drop a comment if you are 🙏🏽

To add any of these to your personal collection, please click the link below, or message me for the individual eBay links:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/bollywoodvinylsforsale-uk/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

The auctions end this Wednesday - 4th October 2023, so good luck if you decide to bid on any 👍🏽

Another set of items I’m selling for the first time; a collection of vinyls featuring the legendary Ravi Shankar, V. Balsara, Shankar Jaikishan, Rais Khan, Enoch Daniels, Jayram Acharya, Clem Alford, Kartick Kumar, Chim Kothari & Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, mainly focusing on the sounds of the Sitar & Sarod:

1. New Offerings from Ravi Shankar
2. Ravi Shankar - Portrait of Genius
3. Balsara & His Singing Sitars
4. Shankar Jaikishan / Rais Khan - Raga-Jazz Style
5. Jayram Acharya / Enoch Daniels - Sitar Goes Latin
6. The Electronic Sitar of Clem Alford
7. Kartick Kumar - Ritu Samhaar (31 Sitar Concerto)
8. Chim Kothari - Sound of Sitar
9. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan - Shanti

Those of you into Indian Classical music, especially the Sitar & Sarod, will know that these artists are very well known.

The interesting thing about a lot of the Indian instrumental LPs that used to release back in the day, was that a lot of them were fused with western instruments, as is the case with some of these.

Whilst listing these for sale, I searched to see if I could find any quirky info about any of these, and as mentioned on the cover of ‘Shanti’, this was India’s first Digitally Recorded album.

I also found that ‘Chim Kothari’ didn’t exist, but was a made up name for a non Indian person who was basically inspired by George Harrison playing the Sitar on ‘The Beatles’ songs like Norwegian Wood (1965) & Love You To (1966). Not sure how true that is, but it sounds interesting though 😁

Drop any info you’ve got on any of the albums in the comments section, and if you’d like to add any of these to your personal collection, please click on the link below, or message me for the individual eBay links:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/bollywoodvinylsforsale-uk/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

The auctions end this coming Wednesday - 4th October 2023, so good luck if you decide to bid on any 👍🏽