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Sikh Research Institute
Sikh Research Institute Canada
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The melodious mode of Basant carries the fragrance of renewal and festivity. It arrives softly, as winter loosens its hold, the stillness of the frozen season begins to melt. Beneath the quiet earth, life stirs again. As spring approaches, warm with promise, we are filled with anticipation of the new season’s potential to bring new life, new movement, and new ways of being.
This is the season of Holi, the festival of colors.
This is the season when Phagun gives way to Chet.
This is the season that welcomes the new year (558) on the Nanakshahi calendar.
In this time of transitions, in the excitement of changing seasons and years, in the midst of the festivities, a question arises:
How might we experience a celebration that never ends?
For this, we turn to the timeless verses of Guru Arjan Sahib, where the Guru evokes the vibrancy of this joyous time of connection. Amidst the colorful hues of Phag, or Holi, we are invited to look deeper. Beyond the outward festival lies its truest essence: the experience of union with IkOankar, the One, and a celebration of that union.
Guru Arjan Sahib's words reverberate with joy, transcending boundaries of time and ritual:
Today in our home, the atmosphere has become festive like Phag. Having gathered with the companions of Prabhu, the Divine, the One, we have started playing Holi. We have made Holi the service of saintly beings. The deep red color of IkOankar has been applied.
We pause.
We reflect.
What kind of Holi is this?
Where time and calendars play no role.
Where the celebration is constant.
Where the colors are deep and true and unfading because they are of IkOankar.
What might it look like to experience spring in the home of the heart in every moment, no matter the season?
The Guru shows us that celebration, joy, and connection with IkOankar know no bounds—neither of time nor circumstance.
We can gather with the companions of IkOankar who know IkOankar and, thus, are in constant bliss. We can make our celebration the service of the truth-oriented ones.
In this state, in every moment is spring, in every moment is Holi, and in every moment, we are dyed in the deep crimson red of IkOankar.
May our bodies bloom in love—in this season and all seasons.
May we become beautiful, flourishing forth regardless of happiness or pain.
May we live in an endless Spring, fragrant and green as can be.
May the Wisdom-Guru guide us!
The first video in the Barah Maha video series is Chet. Immerse yourself into the beauty of nature while learning about detachment and connection. Fly into the flowers and trees and surround yourself with the smell and sounds of the earth. Follow the human-bride, the seeker, as she overcomes the separation she feels from IkOankar. She hopes so profoundly for the connection.
In the vibrant and energetic ambiance of Basant Rag, Guru Amardas Sahib's Sabad captures the essence of springtime—a season of renewal, joy, and the departure of the cold winter.
In SikhRI’s new monthly blog series, Sabads previously transcreated for the Sabad of the Week podcast will be revisited, with the offering of an individual understanding and perspective on the application of the Sabad’s message in daily life.