While
wondering the internet in the wee hours of the morning since I had
yet to pull myself from the computer to get a few hours of sleep, I
found myself looking through current exhibits in various museums. One
exhibit that starts in the new year (January 26th – April 28th,
2013) that caught my eye was titled Sikh Fortress Turban which will
be on view at the Brimingham Museum and Art Gallery located in
Brimingham, England. On my screen amongst the colors which blurred
slightly due to my overly tired eyes was a small entry announcing the
coming exhibit.
With
knowledge that California has a rather large, close knit Sikh
community, I was surprised that there was to be an exhibit on them in
the UK. I have to admit that I was a bit jealous as I read the small
entry because I would love to actually learn a bit more about perhaps
one of the nicest and most patient group of people I have ever met.
For those not familiar with those of the Sikh religion, it was
started in the 15th century by Guru Nanak. After a lengthy
bit of meditation, where he is believed to have received direct
revelations from God, he went forth to teach the world that there is
one God and that religious divisions are man-made. The term Sikh
itself actually means disciple, student or instruction which makes
sense when you look a bit deeper into the religion.
Though understated as far as straight out art goes, the beauty that the Sikhs provide can be found simply in the textiles and weapons they wear along with the people themselves. Perhaps
one of their most recognizable trademarks is the turbans that the men
wear which, depending on their status within the religion, signifies
their level. One wonderful capture of a Sikh follower by one of the
photographers on deviantArt is perhaps by SukhRiar.deviantart.com
(India). In his picture Nihang, he states in the description:
 |
| "Nihang" by SukhRiar |
In this
picture you are seeing Sikh Nihang (Sikh Warrior), worship to
Waheguru (God). They wear approximately 20m to 30m clothe turban.
Sikh
warriors known for their bravery, courage and power. They saved their
religion by sacrifice their lives.
The word
Nihang means crocodile and was introduced into the Punjabi language
from Persian. The term owes its origin to the Mughal historians who
noticed that these brave armed-monks fought ferociously like
crocodiles. Traditionally known for their bravery and ruthlessness in
the battlefield, the Nihang once formed the guerilla squads of the
armed forces of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The
Nihang were also known as Akali. This term is said to be derived from
the Akaal Purukh in Punjabi - "the Timeless One", a term
for God. Thus Akali translates as "Servitor of the Timeless
God". This also symbolises the Akali as the immortals or the
timeless warriors.
Read
more about them: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nihang
 |
| "nihang Sikh" by drkingsks |
Another beautiful picture as an example of the turbans worn by some of the higher ranking individuals is by drkingks.deviantart.com with his piece nihang Sikh.
I know
that here in California, we often have cultural festivals put on by
the Sikh community which includes their Festival of Lights calledDiwali. SFGate, the online version of the San Francisco Chronicle which covers news and other things within the San
Francisco Bay Area just posted this morning an article titled Diwali, The Festival of Lights covering the festival which just occurred last
month. For those who are interested in finding out a little more
about the calender of holidays should check out the Sikh calender of festivals. Also don't be afraid of checking online to see if there
are any events within your area that you could attend.
So to those who are in the UK or are planning on visiting the area and are interested in checking out the exhibit this next year, here is the information for the Brimingham Museum and Art Gallery:
Brimingham Museum & Art Gallery
Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH
Tel: +44 (0)121 303 1966
Entry: Free entrance. Some exhibitions and events may charge.
Opening Times:
Monday - Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10.30am - 5pm
Sat 10am - 5pm
Sunday 12.30pm - 5pm
khuswant .. u simply rocks....
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