The mission of this Web site is to promote diversity and cultural competency, explore issues of color and gender, and inspire people
who have a history of being marginalized, using social media and other
means as platforms to inform various communities of the life experiences
and concerns of marginalized people with regard to the necessity for social
change, dialogue, inclusion, compassion, tolerance, and cultural literacy to
expand and improve human relations going forward in order to better facilitate
the current worldwide shift in global consciousness from tribalism, instability,
and extremism, to harmony, cooperation and enduring peace. In addition, we
welcome and support other organizations that promote the transformation of
consciousness taught by spiritual teachers like Guru Nanak Dev and others.
Our vision is to advocate and teach Kundalini Yoga, as directed by
Yogi Bhajan, for which we seek the assistance of organizations not only in
the United States, but in India and around the world. To achieve this goal
ACT uses social media, teacher training, and more. Our commitment is to
afford every person the opportunity to explore the deepest potentials of his or
her human spirit. To fulfill this goal, we inspire each person to: (a) maintain an
awareness of everyone’s longing for inclusion, and their innate longing to belong
within our global family; (b) respond with compassionate consideration and sensitivity to
differences of gender, race, culture, religion, ethnicity, economic conditions, social status, psychological challenges, and philosophical differences that exist in all human interactions.
Method
We utilize the Word and Wisdom of the Guru, and the technology of Kundalini Yoga as
taught by the Siri Singh Sahib, aka Yogi Bhajan. These powerful technologies expand
awareness and uplift humanity without the use of drugs or any external stimulation.
Yatra is a self-purification.
Yogi Bhajan
The word Yatra – when pilgrims go with the clarity of mind to go through the ordeal to cleanse their karma and deal with their soul. Yatra is not a holiday going to a five-star hotel, though we do try to make it convenient. And though we do go every year, people do not understand the beauty and the realism about it.
Let me tell you in very simple words: Yatra is nothing but a man going to his higher self. It’s a journey on earth to ones Isht. Isht means higher self; to his altar. So the destiny may be not alternated and one can travel through the destiny and walk on the land and with his feet where all the great men’s feet have already walked. It is a self-purification. It’s not something… I know it is a Western world, therefore you have lot of sightseeing, etc., etc., but it is not purpose of Yatra.
Purpose of Yatra is ya-tra. Tra means you swim across; ya means must – you must swim. Thou shall swim across the karma. That’s what Yatra is. So, we go from here to designated holy places and we have no other work, but to get up in the morning to meditate; to go to these beautiful surroundings. Sometimes our mind hassles us but we conquer it. This is the purpose of Yatra.
As far as I am concerned right now, we are going for one simple act, I would like to test myself and my purity by myself. That’s Yatra.-- Yogi Bhajan, 08/08/1997
As we write this letter of gratitude on behalf of Akal Committee Thirteen (ACT), we realize many of you are now back home in your towns and countries with your family and friends, teaching Kundalini Yoga.
ACT is working on plans to continue following through on our Spiritual Teacher’s mission of bringing Kundalini Yoga back to the Punjab and Mother India, where it originated. It is the Sikh youth today who need this ancient yogic science, now, more than ever.
We thank each of you for showing up, for making this journey one of many memories we can all share. There are the times when we boarded the bus from early morning to late evenings to travel to historic Gurdwaras, the sacred places where the Siri Singh Sahib Yogi Bhajan Ji walked, and where the Guru’s healed and uplifted the Spiritual and physical needs of so many people throughout India.
We were blessed to visit the holy Inner Sanctum of the Siri Harimandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) in Amritsar, India, where several folks got to ‘sip and dip’ in the Sarovar tank. We enjoyed practicing the Aquarian Sadhana that Yogiji left us; we got to meet some amazing Sevadars and Ragis who performed Seva and Gurbani Kirtan everywhere we traveled; we spent a special sacred evening at the Golden Temple with our brothers and sisters from the Sikh Dharma International Yatra on New Year's Eve.
We journeyed to the birthplace of the Khalsa in Anandpur Sahib where Gobind Rai* lived before his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, moved to Punjab state and established Anandpur Sahib where in 1699 the then Guru Gobind Rai initiated the Khalsa on the day in which he took Amrit in the same ceremony along with his supporters, thereafter being known as Guru Gobind Singh Ji; and we got to hear many stories of the Guru’s from our hosts.
*NOTE: Gobind Rai was born in Patna and grew up there until age 5. He would not become Guru Gobind Rai until 1675 after his father was martyred. Then his name, Rai, was changed to Singh when the Panj Piara initiated him in 1699 in Anandpur Sahib.
These memories, now sinking into our collective subconscious, along with the sound and smell of Guru Ka Langar, Gur Prasad at Bangla Sahib, Keshgar Sahib, Fatehgar Sahib, Boli Sahib at Goindwal, Darbar Sahib in Amritsar, and Harimandir Sahib in Patna Sahib, will remain with us forever.
Although our sister and brother Simran Kaur and Hari Singh were not with us physically they kept track of our daily trek through the hillside of the Punjab, the bustling city of Delhi and the crowded historic gatherings in Patna Sahib, where millions of devoted pilgrims gathered.
Each of you have experienced in your own consciousness the camaraderie of the Khalsa, and the inspiration for which your soul longs as we pray for our future journeys among the “Land of the Saints” in the near future to teach and share with others the sacred science and technology of Kundalini Yoga, Kirtan, meditation and Sadhana.
We invite you to check out our mission statement. And please watch this space for future announcements.
By Guru’s Grace, and in the Name of the One who breathes within us and guides our affairs, Chardi Kala... may your Spirit rise!
Deg Tegh Fateh!
Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa
Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh!
In service and in all humility, we are,
Akal Committee 13
Coming Soon For Next Yatra Announcement
DEG TEGH FATEH YATRA
A FREE ROOM AND BOARD OFFERING FOR
TEACHERS AND STUDENTS OF YOGA AND SIKH DHARMA
SPONSORED AND FUNDED BY ADHOC COMMITTEE THIRTEEN
Attention Prospective YatraParticipants
"The mere act of teaching implies that one
wishes the world well." -- Roger Rosenblatt
Sat Nam. The Deg Tegh Fateh Yatra is a spiritual journey for Teachers and Students of Kundalini Yoga and Sikh Dharma from around the world. Sponsored and funded by ACT, Akal Committee Thirteen, this year's Yatra will depart for India December 26, 2016, and return January 08, 2017. ACT is blessed by God's grace with the resources to offer free room and board for participating Teachers and Students. This means that full accommodations and meals will be provided. See meaning of Deg Tegh Fateh.
ACT requests DTFY participants to arrive in New Delhi on December 26th from where we will proceed directly to Amritsar. The Yatra will end in New Delhi on January 08, 2017, after which participants may choose to stay longer at their own expense.
While in India DTFY participants will serve ACT's stated mission by: 1.) exploring the idea of setting up Teacher Training facilities in India, wherein Kundalini Yoga Teachers are encouraged to share their knowledge of Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan with the Indian populace; 2.) promoting and inspiring the Indian populace to practice Guru's technology; and 3.) meeting with individuals and organizations that promote and inspire the technology.
BTW: Deg Tegh Fateh Yatra is open to Kundalini Yoga Teachers and Students and any Sikh Dharma Teachers who want to share their knowledge and experience with the people of India. You will not be required to teach or train in India on this exploratory Yatra, and there are no strict or hard rules about your teaching experience, except to actively share your knowledge and experience of Kundalini Yoga. Once a Teacher Training facility is organized and established in India at a future date, ACT requests that participating Kundalini Yoga Teachers consider visiting India on a regular basis to teach and train individuals who want to become Level 1 Kundalini Yoga Teachers. Please read on.
ADVANCE PAYMENT TRAVEL COSTS WHILE IN INDIA
Train and Air travel costs within India are unavoidable. The domestic Indian Air and Surface travel costs are approximately $500.00, U.S. Dollars. These must be paid in advance in order to avoid much higher transportation fees in the peak Winter tourist season.
Registration Ends
REGISTRATION FOR DECEMBER 2016 YATRA ENDS NOVEMBER 11, 2016
Latter day applicants should request instructions.
ACT has been blessed to find reduced Indian domestic travel fees of $500.00, U.S. Dollars. However, due to the large number of people that will be traveling to Patna Sahib for the 350th birthday celebration of Guru Gobind Singh, ACT must receive prepaid domestic travel fees at the time of registration, otherwise these fares will not be guaranteed. See Agenda. See Itinerary.
Guru Gobind Singh 1666-1708
Tenth Master of Sikh Dharma
Takath Patna Sahib Birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh
IMPORTANT NOTES
A) The actual fares will be charged. Any difference will be refunded to participants. However, if fares are raised before reservations are booked, participants will incur the cost of higher fares. Therefore, ACT requests that all participants register with payment now while lower-cost fares are available.
B) Local room and board, and local transportation, excluding international and domestic air and train travel, will be provided free of charge by Akal Committee Thirteen for DTFY participants. Participants are welcome to an extended stay beyond the schedule below at their own expense.
C) Local (Indian) domestic airlines have a baggage limit of 15 kilos, i.e., 33 lbs., per passenger. Any additional baggage fees are the personal responsibility of the passenger.
D) The primary mission of Deg Tegh Fateh Yatra is to serve and to teach the transformative technology of Kundalini Yoga to the people of India.
Participation in the 350 Year Birth Anniversary Celebrations at the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh. This is a unique event for our generation to witness the grand scale celebration with Sikhs and many others from around the world.
Visiting Punjab, New Delhi, Patna Sahib, and participation in the celebrations at various venues.
Visiting several Indian historical sites such as Red Fort, Qutab Minar, Sikh Museums, Bazaars of Amritsar and New Delhi and other tourist sites.
PROTOCOL, DRESS CODE AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
. Participants must be able to speak and teach classes using the English language. See Mission Statement.
. Cohabitation is permitted among married couples only. Rooms may be shared between same sex couples.
. Tobacco, recreational drug use, and alcohol-liquor consumption are prohibited.
. Cutting hair or shaving on the Niwas or Gurdwaras premises is prohibited.
. Participants are encouraged to wear white or light-colored clothing and a head covering when visiting Gurdwaras. Bring formal and casual wear for other occasions. Women are advised not to wear shorts or bare-arms clothing. See Why Wear White?
. Participants are encouraged to cover their heads while inside Niwas Guest houses, Gurdwaras, and related events. See NOTE.
. Participants are encouraged to carry medications, eyewear, head coverings, and other personal items of convenience at all times.
. Vegetarian meals only will be served. All participants are requested to abstain from non-vegetarian food while engaged in the Yatra.
. Clothing should accommodate cold weather, i.e., winter conditions, in all the three cities, i.e., Delhi, Amritsar, and Patna.
. Programs, tours, and travel times are subject to change without notice.
. Adult participants with children (under 18 years) must personally care for children. Parents or guardians may not leave children unattended at any time.
. Travel fees for early departure and-or unused flights are nonrefundable.
. Personal and shopping expenses, spa treatments and other expenses will NOT be paid by ACT, except for those mentioned here on the Yatra Web site. Participants must provide their personal resources for such expenses. See Special Advisory.
. Room accommodations will be provided only at Gurdwara guest houses.
. Group orientation meeting will occur once all participants arrive in India.
NOTE: It is not a Sikh practice to proselytize others. In fact, Sikhs often
express the term "Sat Kartar," i.e., "God
is the Doer". In this sense meaning that only those with
such destiny adopt the Sikh lifestyle.
The Indian government as of November 2016 has demonetized India's larger paper denomination rupees, i.e., 500Rs, 1000Rs, etc. See Video.
ACT advises Yatra participants to be prepared to use personal debit and/or credit cards as much as possible for local Indian purchases and travel transactions. NOTE: Participants are urged to use this Paytm App or similar app while in India.
ACT advises Yatra participants BEFORE departing for India to request their respective bank to accept/approve credit/debit charges while in India. NOTE: Minor paperwork may be required.
Due to Indian airline luggage restrictions, ACT advises participants to travel lightly while in India, i.e., take as little carry-on luggage as possible. Be prepared to pay additional local fees for checked luggage over 23lbs. (15kg.) and carry-on luggage over 11lbs. (7kg.) while in India.
Be prepared to pay additional room service fees at Niwas and Gurdwaras, e.g., laundry, bedding, towels, soap, etc. CAUTIONARY NOTE: ACT has agreed to cover basic room and board costs ONLY, nothing extra
Be prepared to self-launder clothing, e.g., underwear, socks, etc. See Yatra Definition.
Do not wear or travel with 'bling', i.e., flashy, or expensive jewelry or accessories.
Carry passport, visa, money, etc., in a 'fannie' pack or money belt - Not pocket or purse.
Stay with travel companions. -- DO NOT TRAVEL ALONE
Stay in touch with family and/or friends back home.
Remain aware of people and your environments at all times.
Drink only sealed bottled water, and eat only cooked foods.
Be prepared to pay for food other than langar-type meals, e.g., pizza, Chinese, etc.
CONSIDER TAKING THESE TRAVEL ITEMS
Small functioning flashlight.
Writing materials, i.e., functioning pen and note pad.
Functioning travel alarm clock.
Personal hygiene and toiletry products.
Medications, contact lenses, and eyeglasses, including respective written prescriptions.
Smart phone charger (with India friendly adapter).
. Yatra participants are advised to acquire the Paytm app or similar app whereby they can pay more easily with their credit and/or debit card for personal fees and transactions while in India.
. Accommodations are based on double and triple occupancy due to limited room availability in all cities.
. Excess airline and local baggage fees are the responsibility of Yatra participants
. All participants must pay for their own individual expenses such as laundry, toiletries, spa treatments, shopping, extra meals, phone calls, and any other personal expenses.
. ACT will provide for room accommodations at Delhi, Amritsar and Patna, three meals a day, local transportation, sightseeing, participation in all events, visits to Gurdwaras, Temples, Museums and other tourist places.
. All participants are requested to travel light with minimum luggage. Please DO NOT bring heavy Yoga mats. NOTE: Winter coats, shawls, boots, etc., should be worn rather than packed to save on excessive luggage weight.
. CAUTIONARY NOTE: It will be cold in all three cities. Participants are requested to carry winter clothing
. Participants must will travel as a single group to all the places and events for security reasons. Participants must stay together and watch out for each other at all times.
. Participants should wear all 'white clothing' so that Yatra members can more easily identify each other and be identified as DTFY members
. Participants should expect delays, crowds, and inconveniences in transportation, etc. Also, due to crowded venue issues, there may be limitations on space for Sadhana and Kundalini Yoga classes.
. Participants are required to personally secure unattended belongings while participating in day trips to Anandpur Sahib, Amritsar, events, classes, etc. Living quarters, luggage and personal belongings need to locked at all times. CAUTIONARY NOTE: ACT is not responsible for loss or theft of any personal items
NOTICE: Local room and board and local transportation (excluding international and domestic air and train travel) will be provided per registration fee by Akal Committee Thirteen and Sikh Dharma 13 for all Deg Tegh Fateh Yatra participants. Participants are welcome to an extended stay beyond the schedule below at their own expense. Space is limited Persons interested in this spectacular free room and board offer are urged to Register Here! Or Contact Us Here!
Pilgrims enter the Golden Temple, Amritsar, India
New Year's Eve, Golden Temple, Amritsar, India
Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji, aka Yogi Bhajan,
with Yatra participants, Punjab, India, 1999
Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji with Yatra participants, Punjab, India, 1999
The Cosmos works for those who have discipline, who have longing, who have
some goal to reach in their lives, and who make a constant, constant, constant
effort to reach it. That is dharma. Dharma is in every day, in every action, on every side
of the day. Don’t waste yourself into the maya of this Earth. -- Yogi Bhajan 2/9/2003
AGENDA
Participants will explore and assist with the following:
Yatra participants will visit the Golden Temple, the 350th Birth Anniversary Shatbdi event at Patna Sahib, and historic Gurdwaras in Punjab and Delhi in order to experience the essence of Sikhism.
Organizing Kundalini Yoga Classes throughout India to be taught by Certified Kundalini Yoga Teachers.
Organizing and administering Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training Centers.
Organizing and administering a Sikh Dharma Ashram in India.
Fostering friendship with the Siri Singh Sahib Ji's (aka Yogi Bhajan) contacts in India with the intention of inspiring Sikhs and others in Punjab and throughout India. Read on.
While in India Yatra participants will explore the idea of setting up Teacher Training facilities in India, wherein Kundalini Yoga Teachers are encouraged to share their knowledge of Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan with the Indian populace. Yatra participants will meet with several individuals and organizations that advocate the sharing of Kundalini Yoga technology.
NOTE: There are no strict or hard rules about individual teaching experience, just the willingness to actively share your knowledge and experience of Kundalini Yoga. Once ongoing Kundalini Yoga classes and a Teacher Training facility is organized and established in India (at a future date), ACT requests participating Kundalini Yoga Teachers to consider visiting India on a regular basis to teach and train individuals who want to become Level 1 Kundalini Yoga Teachers. -- Akal Committee Thirteen
ITINERARY
December 26, 2016 Arrive in New Delhi before 4:00 PM. Proceed to Amritsar same evening. Stay at Gurdwara Niwas (Guest House) near Golden Temple.
December 27, 2016 Morning Sadhana including Kundalini Yoga at Niwas. Visit the Golden Temple. Langar Seva at Golden Temple. Afternoon -- Rest and Shopping. Evening -- Visit to Golden Temple. Dinner at Famous Punjabi Dhaba (Restaurant).
December 28, 2016 Early morning departure to Goindwal Sahib. Recite Japji Sahib at Sacred 84 Steps. Evening return to Amritsar. Visit the Golden Temple and participate in Kirtan.
December 29, 2016 Early morning visit to the Golden Temple. Participate in Seva at Golden Temple during opening hours. Afternoon -- Visit SGPC, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Jathedars. Discussions about Teaching Kundalini Yoga and establishing a Sikh Dharma Ashram in India. Dinner Reception for Deg Tegh Fateh Yatra Group.
December 30, 2016 Early morning departure to Anandpur Sahib. Stay at Gurdwara Niwas. Afternoon visit to Sikh Heritage Museum. Evening Kirtan and Rehras Sahib at Takhat Keshgarh Sahib. Langar at Takhat Sahib.
December 31, 2016 Early morning departure for Amritsar. Afternoon -- Shopping. Evening -- New Year’s Eve celebrations at Golden Temple. Langar at Golden Temple.
January 01, 2017 New Year Day at Golden Temple. Lunch Reception with Friends of Yogi Bhajan. Visit nearby Gurdwaras. Evening Kirtan at Golden Temple.
January 02, 2017 Proceed to Patna Sahib, via Delhi. Arrive Patna Sahib -- Stay at Sri Patna Sahib Niwas. Participate in 350th Birth Anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh.
January 03-05, 2017 Visit nearby historic Gurdwaras in Sri Patna Sahib. Meetings with Religious Leaders in Patna Sahib. Participate in Kirtan and other programs. Participate in Langar Seva. Listen to Katha/Kirtan and Stories about Guru Gobind Singh.
January 06, 2017 Early morning departure to New Delhi. Stay at Gurdwara Niwas. Visit Gurdwaras Bangla Sahib and Rakab Ganj Sahib. Visit Qutab Minar and Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial. Evening Kirtan program at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib.
January 07, 2017 Visit Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib. Visit Red Fort. Meeting with DSGMC, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee Officials. Discussions about bringing Kundalini Yoga Technology to India. Meetings for acquiring support for sharing Sikh Dharma and Yogi Bhajan teachings in India and internationally. Meetings regarding setting up Sikh Dharma Ashram in India. Discussions about Yogi Bhajan’s Drug Addiction -- Detox Program.
January 08, 2017 Meetings with prospective parties regarding Teacher Training. Visit Schools and Colleges for interaction with Students and sharing of Yogi Bhajan's Teachings. Shopping and Lunch. Visits to Tourist Places in and around Delhi. Dinner Reception and Entertainment program for Deg Tegh Fateh Yatra Group. Departure for overseas from India -- late night.
NOTES:
. The DTFY itinerary may change in accordance with weather and/or fog conditions in Amritsar and Delhi.
. Amritsar and Delhi offer cold climate conditions (no snow) during December and January. Participants need to pack Winter clothing.
. Morning Sadhana, Meditation and Kundalini Yoga Classes will occur daily.
. Deg Tegh Fateh Yatra will participate in many Gurdwara Programs and Kirtan Programs in many locations.
. Please submit registration form including payment of Indian domestic travel fees of $500.00, U.S. Dollars, in order to guarantee travel reservations on the dates and times of this itinerary.
. Deg Tegh Fateh Yatra participants will stay at Gurdwara Niwas (Guest Houses). Room and Board (Meals) are covered by Akal Committee Thirteen and Sikh Dharma 13. CAUTIONARY NOTE: All international and domestic travel fees must be fully paid in advance by each participant.
. Time permitting, participants will visit other places such as:
Sacred site where Baba Siri Chand meditated for 90 years. Bhora Sahib -- Meditation Cell of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Nirmala and Udasi Sages Ashram. Miri Piri Academy -- School set up by Yogi Bhajan. Namdhari Sangat in Bhaini Sahib -- Friends of Yogi Bhajan. Baba Nihal Singh and Nihaung Ashram in Harivela. Baoli Sahib -- Taran Taran Sahib -- Sacred site of Guru Amar Das. See Videos.
SPECIAL NOTICE: The above itinerary is subject to change without notice.
The word Yatra – when pilgrims go with the clarity of mind to go through the ordeal to cleanse their karma and deal with their soul. Yatra is not a holiday going to a five-star hotel, though we do try to make it convenient. And though we do go every year, people do not understand the beauty and the realism about it.
-- 
Visiting the 
. Participants must be able to speak and teach classes using the English language. See 
. Cohabitation is permitted among married couples only. Rooms may be shared between same sex couples.
. Tobacco, recreational drug use, and alcohol-liquor consumption are prohibited.
. Cutting hair or shaving on the Niwas or Gurdwaras premises is prohibited.
. Participants are encouraged to wear white or light-colored clothing and a head covering when visiting Gurdwaras. Bring formal and casual wear for other occasions. Women are advised not to wear shorts or bare-arms clothing. See 
. Participants are encouraged to carry medications, eyewear, head coverings, and other personal items of convenience at all times. 
. Vegetarian meals only will be served. All participants are requested to abstain from non-vegetarian food while engaged in the Yatra.
. Clothing should accommodate cold weather, i.e., winter conditions, in all the three cities, i.e., Delhi, Amritsar, and Patna.
. Programs, tours, and travel times are subject to change without notice.
Due to Indian airline luggage restrictions, 
. Participants should expect delays, crowds, and inconveniences in transportation, etc. Also, due to crowded venue issues, there may be limitations on space for 
Sacred site where Baba Siri Chand meditated for 90 years.
