Free Cloud Storage For Entrepreneurs: Top 6 Picks

1. Dropbox – Dropbox is one of the best known free cloud storage systems. One of its major advantages is that it offers clients specifically designed for Linux and Blackberry systems as well as the more standard OS offerings, so no matter what particular type of technology you or your employees enjoy employing, Dropbox can likely fit your needs. Heartbleed security: Dropbox was affected by Heartbleed, but there is a patch in place now, and previous users are encouraged to change their passwords.
2. Google Drive – Google Drive comes with a particularly generous 15GB of cloud storage when you link a Google account to it. It also exempts videos below a particular resolution and video content under 15 minutes in length, making it possible with wise data management to effectively enjoy unlimited space. Heartbleed security: Google was affected by Heartbleed and there’s a patch now in place. Google has said users do not need to change their passwords, but because of the previous vulnerability, better safe than sorry, we say.
3. OneDrive – This is Microsoft’s cloud storage service previously known as SkyDrive. One key difference of this cloud storage service is the social media integration OneDrive features, which is ideal for file sharing between colleagues across platforms and devices. It also directly integrates with Office 2013, perhaps the single most popular piece of business software on the market. Heartbleed security: Microsoft services were not running OpenSSL, according to LastPass, and were therefore not affected by Heartbleed.
4. Box – This service has been around even longer than Dropbox, originating in 2005. Most people are less familiar with Box as they have focused most of their efforts on enterprise-level solutions for larger businesses. However, the company offers increasingly competitive personal and small business-sized plans as well. The big advantage of Box is the ability to access and use the incredibly wide range of productivity-enhancing applications that have been developed for the platform over the years in support of the company’s corporate accounts. Heartbleed security: According to Mashable, “We’re currently working with our customers to proactively reset passwords and are also reissuing new SSL certificates for added protection.”
5. iCloud – For fans of Apple devices, the iCloud solution may make good sense. One of the biggest drawbacks of iCloud is that it doesn’t feature drag and drop functionality, nor can you back up photos from Android or Windows mobile devices. Files can be accessed via a PC once Apple’s Control Panel has been downloaded, but that’s about it. It does have impressive integration with Apple’s iWork office suite, and iPad and iPhone apps typically automatically interface with the platform as well. Heartbleed security: According torecode.net, “iOS and OS X never incorporated the vulnerable software and key web-based services were not affected.”
6. Firedrive – Firedrive.com makes this list because of the immense 50GB of free space the company gives new members, nearly 3x a fully-upgraded Dropbox account (and few people offer up enough referrals to Dropbox to bump their usage limits this high).  In addition to the high storage space, Firedrive offers the same functionality of the other choices and adds social integration. Heartbleed security: Says CEO Joseph Turner, “Our backend systems were affected and were patched on Tuesday morning when the [Heartbleed] bug was made public. Our customer facing systems utilize Cloudflare, which patched the issue before it was publicly disclosed. We’ve also re-issued our SSL certificates and administrative private keys to keep our systems secure.

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The Best-Paying Jobs You Can Do At Home

The trend of working from home has grown tremendously in the recent years. Long gone are the days when employment was thought of as a strict 9-5 day, traveling to the office in the morning and returning back home in the evening. With advanced technologies and changing trends in the economy, freelancing has become more common than ever before.
Don’t get home-based employment wrong as a mere part-time job that pays only in scanty sums. You can earn as much as you’d earn working at an office if you possess certain skills and capabilities.

Below, we have listed 10 of the best-paying jobs you can do at home. No more are jackpots and lotteries the only ways of getting rich sitting back at home, enjoying the comfort of the couch and closeness with your family.

Also Read: The Best-Paying Jobs You Can Do At Home

comfort of the couch and closeness with your family.

1. Translator

Average Salary: $132,000
As a freelance translator, you translate texts from one language to another. It’s a perfect job for telecommuting. Translation is a pretty straightforward job and you can do it all by yourself at home.
You might need to revise your work at times but if you possess enough talent, you’ll be able to translate the words and also include the feel of the original work.
This job comes with its fair share of challenges. The work can seem quite monotonous at times, and time management is a skill you must have to succeed in this job.

2. Voice Actor

Average Salary: $75,000
All voice actors provide voiceovers, but the purposes for voice acting vary a lot. You can do freelance voice acting for audiobooks, animation works, games, websites, videos, and more.
Voice acting is fun work to do and pays plenty. However, you may need to condition and train your voice.
Voice acting is just like acting. You might have difficulty finding work as different businesses tend to search for a specific kind of voice only. And altering your voice is a pretty difficult thing to do.

3. Statistical Analyst

Average Salary: $69,000
As a statistical analyst, you have to interpret the quantitative data and also design statistical models for research problems. Maintaining databases and ensuring validity of data is also required in most of the cases.
Statistical analysis is a very broad field and you should work towards specializing in particular types of data. It will add great value if you specialize in marketing, health, economics, or engineering data.
This kind of work requires proper training, and in many cases, the employers require you to have formal college training as well. Certification of statistical training is asked for in almost all cases.

4. Infographic Designer

Average Salary: $76,000
Infographics are becoming more and more of a powerful tool to visualize detailed information. These days, no one really seems to have time to go through web articles thoroughly, scanning through each and every detail.
So as the demand for infographics is increasing, infographic designing has become a very rewarding vocation. However, you need to be good with data visualization tools and should be very careful to only use the correct data.
If you have a knack for designing visually appealing infographics, you can earn as much just sitting back at home as you’d earn if you worked at an office.

5. Software Engineer

Average Salary: $94,000
The demand for software engineers has been ever increasing. And freelance software engineering opportunities are aplenty in the market.
Virtually all businesses want to have a website and app of their own. Add to that the ever present demand for desktop applications, and the future of software engineers looks very bright.
If you have sufficient skills and experience under your belt, you do not even need to have a college degree to succeed in this field.

6. Travel Agent

Average Salary: $56,000
Working as a home-based travel agent can be very exciting. You don’t actually need to have traveled to lots of places if you want to succeed in this field. However, you do need to understand travel well.
The internet has brought lots of changes to the traditional travel agent business. Even the most complicated trips can be arranged successfully at the click of a button.
As a freelance travel agent, you are involved in things like providing information to prospective visitors, driving traffic to a client’s website, and making arrangements for visitors.

7. Financial Manager

Average Salary: $103,000
Financial management is a highly paying job that you can do from home. In this vocation, you are responsible for providing proper financial support to the clients, helping them to make suitable business choices.
Common clients are financial corporations, retailers, charities, universities, and general businesses. Freelance financial managers are preferred by many clients for whom it is not suitable to hire a financial manager on a permanent basis.
However, to land this job, it’s necessary for you to have formal training and college education to establish your credentials.

8. Writer

Average Salary: $52,000
There are plenty of freelance writing opportunities available out there. You can write both for printed as well as online publishing media. With the growth of internet, online writing opportunities have always been on the rise.
Writing opportunities spread over multiple disciplines, from health, education, and career counselling to sports, music, and politics. If you can write, you’ll always find something that interests you.
This job pays significantly and you don’t even need to have formal education and college training. If you can show your adroitness with sample works and draft a solid cover letter, you are likely to land the job.

9. Graphic Designer

Average Salary: $52,000
The demand for freelance graphic designers is also increasing day by day. It’s a perfect home-based job opportunity as you’d like to be on your own while doing something creative.
Graphic designers are constantly wanted by corporations, advertisement agencies, newspapers, retailers, and websites. You can soon turn one client into many.
This is also a great opportunity that doesn’t require official training. Your creations speak for themselves, and if your clients fancy your work, you’ll land the job. Pretty simple!

10. Animator

Average Salary: $69,000
Freelance animator is a quite pleasing job to have, at least for those who really dig animation and don’t see it as work.
You need expensive resources in animation software, as well as computer hardware to be able to create swift animation. However, once you start getting clients, your initial investments will make far greater returns.

Animation is a quite challenging job, and often you’ll be working with a team of fellow animators rather than alone. You may find teamwork challenging or rather uplifting.

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Best Remote Desktop Software

Remote Desktop Access is a great way to keep in touch with the files on your desktop and manage them from any possible location and also to help your acquaintances with troubleshooting their issues remotely. Also for developers, remote desktops are a great way to speed up the deployments. Data centers are remotely configured using remote desktop applications and are the norm in industrial applications.

While the upsides to remote desktop is too good to be ignored, the right tools are needed to connect with your friends and family safe and secured. One of the most popular and widely used Remote Desktop software is ‘Teamviewer’ and we will be looking at a few alternatives that better this tool.

Why the need for Teamviewer Alternative?

While Teamviewer is a handy tool for getting started on remote desktop, it doesn’t provide the simplicity and reliability expected from such a tool. Security is one primary concern that causes many users to flock away from Teamviewer, if not properly configured. Your system is directly put in risk if the average user doesn’t configure the settings on this tool appropriately.

Even though the personal license version is for free, Teamviewer charges a hefty fee for the business version.  Although Teamviewer features many useful functionality like file transfers, collaborations and mobile access, there are better Teamviewer alternatives should you decide to do away with it.

10 Best Teamviewer Alternatives

Here are the 10 best alternatives to Teamviewer that you can opt for your remote desktop activities.

1. Windows Remote Desktop Connection

Windows Remote Desktop Connection is a free feature built into the Microsoft Windows Operating System. This setting can be accessed from the computer’s System settings, found in the control panel. The router of the remote PC needs to be routed on the port 3389 to direct it to your PC. Multiple PC control at a time is not something that this tool is capable of. This nifty tool is great for users beginning out on Remote desktop clients and do not want to install any additional software to get the work done.

Key Features: Fast and complete access control over a remote PC, Easy to set up and already built into Microsoft  Windows.

Why you should opt for Remote Desktop Connection?

The tool is simple, easy-to-use and comes built-in with your edition of Windows OS makes this tool a great fit for beginners and dabblers, beginning out on Remote desktop applications. If you are looking to a less bloated remote desktop client, Remote Desktop Connection is your best choice.

Supported Platforms: Windows and Mac OS X

Pricing: Free, Built into Windows Professional, Ultimate and Business versions.

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2. Real VNC

RealVNC provides both free and paid versions of the Remote Desktop Client, built on top of VNC framework. The VNC technology, or Virtual Network Computing is an open-source technology upon which this tool is built. Although somewhat more complicated that Teamviewer in setting up, VNC offers a reliable and secure connection. This cross-platform utility helps you connect individually to a remote computer or also connect multiple PC’s behind a public IP Address.

Key Features: Cross-platform remote control, VNC authentication, Encryption, File Transfer, Chats, etc.

Why you should opt for RealVNC?

Although a bit difficult to configure the network getting started with your remote connection, RealVNC offers the reliability and features like encryption, collaboration tools and chat features to make sure that your remote connection bodes well for the person on the other end of it.

Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, UNIX, Ubuntu, Raspberry Pi.

Pricing: Free for Private use, $30/desktop for Personal commercial use and $44/desktop for Enterprise use.

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3. Join.me

Developed by LogMeIn, Join.me is a premium remote desktop service that lets business run remote meetings, with people located anywhere across the world. Their instant screen sharing tool offers a better way for meetings and the paid versions offers up to 250 participants to join the meeting and a presenter swap lets people share their viewpoints across the attendees. Join.me is easily the best collaboration tool trusted by hundreds of universities and Fortune 500 companies.

Key Features: Mobile Apps, Unlimited audio, Recording, One-click meeting scheduling, Up to 250 participants and presenter swap.

Why you should opt for Join.me?

If you are running a business or even for individual purposes you need to collaborate remotely with people, Join.Me is a great remote management tool that you can use. A fast, easy and better way to connect and collaborate with people remotely is what Join.me is all about.

Supported Platforms: Windows and Mac OS X.

Pricing: Free for Basic VoIP, $ 15/mo for Pro plan and $19/mo for Enterprise plans with premium meetings and advanced management.

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4. Splashtop

Splashtop offers free and paid remote desktop solutions for individuals and businesses alike. You can use the tool for Free if you are using it for personal purposes on up to computers. Setting up the tool on your Windows or Mac and accessing remotely over your Android or iOS based mobile phone is what Splashtop achieves pretty spectacularly. There is minimum latency on audio and video streaming, so that makes it easier for you to even enjoy your media remotely.

Key Features: Stream audio and video, manage and transfer files, Free for personal use up to 5 computers.

Why you should opt for Splashtop?

If you are using the remote desktop solution primarily for accessing media remotely and for little of troubleshooting purposes, Splashtop will make a great remote desktop companion. The experience provided by Splashtop in Remote desktop accessing is pretty amazing and its secured cross-platform support, with a minimal cost makes it one of the better Teamviewer Alternatives.

Supported Platforms: Windows, OS X, Linux, Android and iOS.

Pricing: Free for 6 months, $1.99/mo after that (Individual use); $60/yr per user for Businesses.

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5. LogMeIn Pro

LogMeIn offers one of the best remote desktop solutions to individuals and businesses alike. Although the free version of LogMeIn was discontinued recently, that doesn’t keep it from being listed as one of the best alternatives to Teamviewer. With many key features like file transfer and accessing of local printer, LogMeIn still serves as one of the best premium alternatives to Teamviewer.

Key Features: File transfers, Audio and video streaming, Full-remote access to transfer files, print documents to a local printer and share documents with collaborators.

Why you should opt for LogMeIn Pro?

LogMeIn Pro offers a unique prospect for remote desktop accessing and it is one of the best of its kind. Although priced somewhat less than the Teamviewer app, LogMeIn offers features that are non-existent in many remote desktop applications of its kind.

Supported Platforms: Windows and Mac OS X

Pricing: $99/yr for Individuals (Access up to 2 computers), $249/yr for Small businesses with 5 computers and $449/yr for Businesses with 10 computers.

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6. Ultra VNC

Another tool based on the VNC (Virtual Network Computing) technology is UltraVNC. This is a free tool developed for systems based on Windows to remotely access other systems. You can completely work on another remote system once the connection is established. File transfer is also allowed in this tool and that makes it a handy little free tool for quickly establishing a remote connection and getting your work done.

Key Features: Complete remote access of desktop, File transfers, etc.

Why you should opt for UltraVNC?

UltraVNC is a completely Free solution to remote desktop applications and offers a simple setup process that gets you connected in a matter of minutes. Use this tool for instant remote file sharing or helping someone remotely troubleshoot their issues.

Supported Platforms: Windows

Pricing: Free

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7. Chrome Remote Desktop

Another one of the Teamviewer alternatives that even does away with the need of installing a software is the Google Remote desktop application. This free tool is available as an extension for Google Chrome browser, accessible on any operating system running it. The add-on lets users remotely access any desktop and its contents right from their browser.

Key Features: Google Chrome-based remote desktop accessing, Access to files and folders and Fully secured.

Why you should opt for Chrome Remote Desktop?

If you are looking for a remote desktop solution without even the need for leaving your web browser, this nifty add-on will get you the work done. Setting up is simple and the add-on costs nothing in addition to providing an easy-to-use setup for getting your remote desktop connected.

Supported browsers: Google Chrome

Pricing: Free

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8. WebEx Free

Cisco’s WebEx is more than just for conducting meetings. This free and premium tool lets you remotely connect with people based on different systems through the free mobile or desktop applications. These remote desktop setups albeit have to be an attended one on the other side. The one hosting the meeting could share his desktop and choose to pass over the control of mouse and keyboard to other presenters. Sharing files, chat and face-to-face live interaction are also capable with this tool.

Key Features: Video conferencing, Markup tools, Recording meetings, Free mobile apps, Scheduling in Outlook, Password protected messages, etc.

Why you should opt for WebEx?

If you are looking for a premium business solution or just for remotely accessing a desktop with added bit of interaction to it, Cisco’s WebEx would be a great fit for your needs.

Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux and Mobile Apps

Pricing: Free for 3 People, $24/mo, $49/mo and $89/mo for 8, 25 and 100 people respectively

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9. AMMYY Adminn

AMMYY Adminn is a free remote desktop solution for both individuals and businesses alike. The tool, unlike heavy remote desktop software, comes in as a tiny application, under 1MB. You can also perform actions like file transfers and live chat in addition to remotely connecting to the other system. Secure connection and easy to manage software makes AMMYY Adminn one of the most preferred free remote desktop clients.

Key Features: Easy to setup, System administrations, Remote office and presentations, Built-in voice and Text chat, etc.

Why you should opt for AMMYY Adminn?

AMMYY Adminn leaves behind a shorter footprint when it comes to software requirements. The tool is pretty nifty and very low data consuming one which gets professional remote desktop accessing features for free. Simple to setup and get around with is one of the primary reasons that many users opt for this tool.

Supported Platforms: Windows

Pricing: Free for non-commercial uses; The Starter, Premium and Corporate licensed tools are priced at $33.90, $66.90 and $99.90 respectively.

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10. Mikogo

Although priced a bit heavily for business users, Mikogo is a great premium tool for businesses and individuals with commercial purposes. The tool is completely browser based and no need for software or plugin installations. Tons of features is what Mikogo comes packed along with. The cross-platform browser-based tool is great for remote support, conferences/meetings and other remote desktop purposes.

Key Features: Fully browser-based – no downloads or plugins, Share documents, swap presenter, Remotely control a desktop, Free mobile app,s video conferencing, Multi-user whiteboard, File transfer, chat and more.

Why you should opt for Mikogo?

Tons of features and the best value for your money is what you get with Mikogo. This heavily featured tool also comes with VoIP chat protocol in addition to the previously mentioned host of features with it. Opening up your browser and getting started with it is made simpler without even the need for installing any application or plugin.

Supported Platforms: Browser-based – Works on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhones, iPads and Android mobile devices.

Pricing: $13/mo for 3 participants, $19/mo for 25 participants, $39/mo for 25 participants & unlimited hosts and $78/mo for 25 participants with 3 session channels.

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Baisakhi 2016: The Day Of Khalsa

Baisakhi celebrations in 2016 are scheduled for April 13. This is the day when the holy Khalsa was established. Indeed, it is a very major event. Hence, the festival of Baisakhi is celebrated all around the globe by Sikh diaspora. Let's read further to know in detail about some hidden facts of this festival.
 
Like every year, Baisakhi in 2016 is marking the commencement of the solar year; and in Punjab, it is celebrated as the New Year. On the event of Vaisakhi, devotees show gratitude towards the Almighty for granting them with good harvest. Baisakhi has special importance in Sikhism, as this is the day on which Guru Gobind Singh Ji (the tenth guru) established the Khalsa Panth.
Baisakhi is a harvest festival, which is celebrated every year on 13 - 14 April. Vaisakhi is also considered as the commemoration of brotherhood in Sikhism (Khalsa). In the year 1699, the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh, decided to break off the practice of Sikh Gurus. He proclaimed the Granth Sahib, which is the holy scripture of Sikhism, to be treated as the everlasting Guru of the Sikhs. After that, the tenth guru came up with the order of Khalsa Panth by means of choosing five courageous leaders of his followers, who were ready to sacrifice their lives to save the people.

Baisakhi 2016: How The Festival Of Baisakhi Is Celebrated?

Baisakhi, the harvest festival is celebrated by feasting, tradition dancing, enjoying fairs, and folk music. The entire surrounding of the Golden Temple, which is located in Amritsar, seems like a carnival. The Melas (Baisakhi fairs) are organized in the entire state of Punjab. On the day of Baisakhi, localities get dressed traditionally and celebrate this special day by dancing and singing. 

Baisakhi fairs include a number of adventurous activities such as acrobatics, races, dance performances, and wrestling bouts. A huge count of stalls are also formed up there, so that the visitors can enjoy purchasing amazing handicrafts, trinkets, together with the mouth watering food and a lot more surprises. 

As now you know a lot about Baisakhi, don't miss the Baisakhi celebrations in 2016 and be an active part of it.

Baisakhi 2016 Rituals

In the morning hours, the devotees pay a visit to Gurdwara (religious place in Sikhism) for being a part of the special prayers offered to the Almighty. On the event of Baisakhi, most of the people prefer to visit Gurdwara Anandpur Sahib (situated in Anandpur, Punjab) or Golden Temple (Amritsar, Punjab).

Baisakhi Festival

1. When Is Baisakhi In 2016, 2017, 2018

This is so because the Khalsa Panth was pronounced here. On the day of this harvest festival, the holy scripture of Sikhism (Granth Sahib) is placed on a Takht (Throne or ceremonial chair) and read. After getting done with the prayers and related rituals, Kada Prasad (holy food), which is prepared with flour, sugar and butter is distributed among all the devotees. 

During midday, Granth Sahib is taken out for Nagar Kirtan (religious parade). In this religious parade, the devotees offer prayers to the Almighty by dancing and singing religious hymns. All the Sikh devotees also take part in Seva (help) by means of performing the day to day chores of the Gurdwara. In Sikhism, helping others is considered as the traditional representation of humanity.

Indeed, these rituals are the pure symbol of humanity. Don't miss the sight of Baisakhi celebrations in 2016.

Baisakhi 2016: Celebrations Around The Globe

Even the farmers in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab commemorate the harvest festival named Baisakhi, with a lot of happiness and fervor. For a number of people, the festival of Vaisakhi symbolizes the time for harvesting the Rabi crops.
This is a duration when the farmers have to work really hard. The festival of Baisakhi brings along the time when the entire community gathers up to celebrate the end of a triumphant agricultural time of the year. 

All the people eagerly look forward to observe the day of Baisakhi with extreme enthusiasm. Louds of "Jatta aayi Baisakhi" loop up in the sky, as the casually-dressed people move towards their fields to commemorate the occasion of Baisakhi. All the farmers also observe the occasion of Vaisakhi as a thanks-giving day. 

People clean-up their dwellings and decorate the entire house with garlands made out of mango leaves in combination with the marigold flowers. The devotees also offer prayers for bringing more prosperity and a happy future.

Baisakhi is celebrated all around the globe by Sikh diaspora. Be the part of this grand fiesta this Vaisakhi in 2016.

Baisakhi 2016: Significance Of Baisakhi

As now you know so much about Baisakhi to celebrate in 2016, there is one more thing that is of most importance for you. It is the significance of Baisakhi. So, let's know the importance, before celebrating Baisakhi in 2016.

The much awaited event of Vaisakhi is considered as a very important occasion in India for various reasons. With the exception of it being a significant harvest fiesta for the farmers, this day is exceptionally important in the Sikh religion, as this day is connected with the establishment of Khalsa Panth. 

The propitious day of Vaisakhi is commemorated in the entire nation under different titles and formal procedures. Baisakhi is observed by the name of 'Naba Barsha' in Bengal, 'Rongali Bihu' in Assam, 'Puthandu' in Tamil Nadu, 'Vaisakha' in Bihar and 'Pooram Vishu' in Kerala. The occasion of this harvest festival is really important for all the Hindus, as on this day in 1875, Swami Dayanand Saraswati established the 'Arya Samaj'. This is a transformed cult of Hindus, who are dedicatedly loyal to the Vedas for divine supervision and have completely abandoned the idol worship. 

Adding more to this point, the occasion of Baisakhi is of importance for the people who belong to Buddhist religion, as Gautam Buddha achieved enlightenment on this fortunate day.

Baisakhi 2016: The Harvest Festival

The festival of Vaisakhi signifies the time for yielding of Rabi crops. Therefore, the auspicious day is celebrated with extreme joy and eagerness in the entire nation. In particular, the event of Vaisakhi is observed in Punjab, as here, agriculture is the major livelihood of the people. 

For celebrating the occasion of Baisakhi, all the people wear dressy and perform the wonderful traditional dance such as Bhangra & Gidda. The farmers in Punjab commemorate the day of Baisakhi by feasting together. On the very next day of Vaisakhi, they all get back to their pleasurable job of harvesting. 

Baisakhi does not just belong to the Sikh community, it has a special significance in other religions and regions too. It doesn't matter who you are and from where you belong to. Just join the hap mob of Baisakhi in 2016 and have fun!

Baisakhi 2016: The Unique Identity Of Khalsa

The Guru also gave an exclusive, undeniable, and different identity to his new Khalsa. The Guru gave the reward of Bana, the unique Sikh garment and headwear. The Guru also presented five symbols of purity and bravery. These symbols are strictly worn by all Sikhs who are baptized. These symbols are universally known as 5 Ks:

• Kesh, the unshorn hair
• Kangha, the wooden comb
• Karra, the iron (or steel) bracelet
• Kirpan, the sword
• Kachha, the underwear

This work is the complete submission of one's entire life to the Seva (service) of the God (Akal Purakh). For decades after the foundation of Sikh religion, the first male baby of all the Hindu families in Punjab was ordered to be brought up as a Sikh.
So, this was the story of Baisakhi and the origin of Khalsa. As now you know quite much about this glorious festival, be an active part of Baisakhi in 2016. Stay tuned to AstroSage for more such interesting stuff. Your feedback will be highly appreciated.

Happy Baisakhi 2016!

Source: http://www.astrosage.com/festival/baisakhi/

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Vaisakhi 2016: What is it and why is it celebrated?

Happy Vaisakhi! Today is 13^th April, and many around the world are celebrating Vaisakhi.
But do you know what is? And why so many around the world celebrate it?
There are two strands to Vaisakhi, and it is a popular celebration around India, as it marks the start of the Punjabi New Year.
Luckily we’ve put together a handy guide, to provide you with a breakdown of what it is, what the origins are, and the ways in which you can get involved.

 

What is it?
Vaisakhi also known as Baisakhi, takes place each year on either 12th or 3th April.
There are two different elements to Vaisakhi; firstly it refers to the harvest festival in the Punjab region of India, and secondly it marks the day that Sikhism was born as a collective faith in 1699.
This day is also observed by the farming community of Punjab as day of giving thanks and paying tribute to God for their abundant harvest and praying for future prosperity.

What are the origins?

Celebrations in Amritsar (Picture: Getty Images)

Vaisakhi is important for the Sikh community, as this day marks the establishment of the Khalsa, which is the collective body of baptised Sikhs.
In 1699 Vaisakhi took on a special meaning for the Sikh community, when the tenth guru – Guru Gobind Singh invited his disciples to join him in the city of Anandpur Sahib.
During this gathering the Khalsa Panth was established (the community of committed Sikhs) and at Vaisakhi each year those ready to join the Khalsa are baptised.
The word ‘Khalsa’ means pure, and to join, Sikhs must undergo the initiation known as the Amrit ceremony.
Baptised Sikhs commit to not removing or cutting any form of bodily hair, to abstain from using alcohol, tobacco or other intoxicants, adopt a vegetarian lifestyle and not commit adultery.


How is it celebrated?
Vaisakhi is all about community, progression and celebration.
The festival around the world is marked with processions known as a nagar kirtan.
These processions are led through streets, and religious hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy book) are recited.
In India the main celebration takes place at Talwandi Sabo in Punjab. This is where Guru Gobind Singh stayed for nine months, and where he completed the recompilation of the Sikh holy book.
Big celebrations are take place in Anandpur Sahib, the birthplace of the Khalsa in 1699, and also at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

Read more: http://metro.co.uk/2016/04/13/vaisakhi-2016-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-celebrated-5777142/#ixzz45h8GgSKX

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Baisakhi Day

Baisakhi Day or Vaisakhi Day of March 30th, 1699 is of significant importance for the Sikhs. It was on this day that Guru Gobind Singh - the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs founded the Akal Khalsa (Community of the Pure) at a ceremony organized at Keshgarh Sahib near Anandpur. The Akal Khalsa played a significant role in resistance against Mughal rule. Every year on April 13 Sikhs celebrate with pomp and gusto the birth of the Khalsa Panth.

Baisakhi Day or Vaisakhi Day of March 30th, 1699 is of significant importance for the Sikhs. It was on this day that Guru Gobind Singh - the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs founded the Akal Khalsa (Community of the Pure) at a ceremony organized at Keshgarh Sahib near Anandpur. The Akal Khalsa played a significant role in resistance against Mughal rule. Every year on April 13 Sikhs celebrate with pomp and gusto the birth of the Khalsa Panth.

The Background

In the year 1667 Aurungzeb, the Mughal Emperor installed himself as the Emperor of India after annihilating almost all his family opposition. Immediately after gaining power, Aurungzeb embarked on a policy of religious persecution and started the process of Islamization of India. Brahmins became the prime targets of Aurungzeb in this regard as his clerics made him convinced that once the Brahmins accepted Islam the others would follow. Pursuing his agenda, Aurungzeb levied unethical religious taxes against Hindus and shut their temples and places of learning.

The Brahmins, particularly those of Kashmir, desperately felt the need for a dynamic leadership to fight this subversion by the Mughal Emperor. They approached Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621-1675), the ninth in the line of Sikh Gurus, who was on the throne of the Sikh religion and asked him for guidance on the issue.

During this meeting, Guru Tegh Bahadur's nine-year-old son, Gobind Rai, was sitting beside him. Finding Guru Tegh Bahadur under deep contemplation, the young son asked the reason of his repose. The Guru explained the situation to the child and said the world is aggrieved by oppression and no brave man had yet come forward to willingly sacrifice his life to free the earth from the burden of Aurangzeb's persecution of Hindus. To this young Gobind Rai replied, "For that purpose who is more worthy than thou who art at once generous and brave.”Pleased with his son’s reply, Guru Tegh Bahadur entrusted the Guruship to Gobind Rai and proceeded towards Delhi, the seat of the Mughal Empire.

Just as they reached Delhi, the mighty Aurangzeb imprisoned the Guru and his loyal attendants. Foreseeing his ecclesiastic journey during imprisonment, Guru Tegh Bahadur thought of testing his son's courage and capability to carry on the Guru's mission. In a letter to Gobind Rai, the Guru wrote, "My strength is exhausted, I am in chains and I can make not any efforts. Says Nanak, God alone is now my refuge. He will help me as He did his Saints.”In his reply young Guru Gobind Rai wrote, "I have regained my Power, my bonds are broken and all options are open unto me. Nanak, everything is in Thine hands. It is only Thou who can assist Thyself.”

Later, Guru Tegh Bahadur was martyred in Delhi in the presence of hundreds of people. The executioner abandoned the Guru's body in the open. But no one dared to come forward to claim the body to perform religious rites. Even the ardent disciples withdrew unrecognized. It was only when the stormy weather occurred, that two persons took advantage of the situation and covertly took the body of Guru Tegh Bahadur for cremation. This cowardice of Sikhs incited in Gobind Rai an urge to endow his Sikhs with a distinct identity.

With the desire to instill courage and strength to sacrifice among his fellow men, Gobind Rai became the tenth Sikh Guru. At the age of 33, Guru Gobind had Divine inspiration to actuate his designs. The Guru found the occasion of Baisakhi could serve his purpose, as every year thousands of devotees would come to Anandpur at the time of Baisakhi (springtime) to pay their obeisance and seek the Guru's blessings. Early in the year 1699, months before Baisakhi Day, Guru Gobind Rai sent special edicts to congregates far and wide that that year the Baisakhi was going to be a unique affair. He asked them not to cut any of their hair and to come with unshorn hair under their turbans and chunis. Besides, men were asked to come with full beards.

The Baisakhi Day of March 30, 1699

At the call of the Guru, thousands of people gathered at the Anandpur Sahib, the famous Golden Temple of Amritsar, India on the Vaisakhi Day, March 30, 1699. To instill courage in the fellow men, Guru Gobind made a powerful oration and revealed to them his divine mission of restoring amongst Sikhs and preserving the Sikh religion. At the end of his speech, the Guru flashed his unsheathed sword and said that every great deed was preceded by equally great sacrifice and demanded one head for oblation. To the Guru’s call, Daya Ram, a Khatri of Lahore offered himself. The Guru took him inside a tent. A little later he reappeared with his sword dripping with blood, and asked for another head. One by one four more earnest devotees - Daram Das - a Jat of Delhi, Mohkam Chand - a washerman of Dwarka (Gujarat), Himmat - a cook of Jagannath (Orissa) and Sahib Chand - a barber of Bidar (Karnataka) offered their heads. Every time the Guru took a person inside the tent, he came out with a bloodied sword in his hand.

Astonished with their Guru’s behavior and believing him to have gone berserk, people started to disperse. Shortly after, Guru Gobind emerged with all five men dressed piously in white. He baptized the five in a new and unique ceremony called 'Khande di Pahul' (the double-edged Sword Amrit), what Sikhs today call Amrit. After this, the Guru asked the five baptized Sikhs to baptize him as well. They were then knighted as Singhs, as the Five beloved ones, the first members of the new community of equals, to be called the Khalsa, meaning "pure". Guru Gobind proclaimed that the Panj Pyare or the Five Beloved Ones would be the embodiment of the Guru himself, “Where there are Panj Pyare, there am I. When the Five meet, they are the holiest of the holy."

These "saint soldiers" were to dedicate their lives to the service of others and the pursuit of justice for people of all faiths. The Guru also said whenever and wherever the five baptized or Amritdhari Sikhs comes together, the Guru would be present. All those who receive Amrit from five baptized Sikhs will be infused with the spirit of courage and strength to sacrifice. Thus with these principles, Guru Gobind established Panth Khalsa, the Order of the Pure Ones.

The Guru also gave his new Khalsa a unique, indisputable, and distinct identity. The Guru gave the gift of bana, the distinctive Sikh clothing and headwear. He also offered five emblems of purity and courage. These symbols, worn by all baptized Sikhs of both sexes, are popularly known today as Five Ks:

• Kesh, unshorn hair
• Kangha, the wooden comb
• Karra, the iron (or steel) bracelet
• Kirpan, the sword
• Kachera, the underwear

This act of total surrender of one's life to the service of the AKAL (God), the Timeless One, and at the feet of Guru Gobind Singh created the Sikh religion. For many centuries after that, the first male child of all families of Hindus in Punjab was ordained as a Sikh.

Social Significance of Baisakhi Day

Apart from fighting the political tyranny, Guru Gobind also sought to eliminate social discriminations in the name of caste with the establishment of Khalsa Panth. The Panj Piyaras set by the Guru amalgamated people of low and high caste into one as it consisted of people of different strata of the society.

To further do away with the system of caste discrimination and to give to all Sikhs an opportunity to live lives of courage, sacrifice, and equality, the Guru gave the surname of Singh (Lion) to every Sikh and also took the name for himself. From Guru Gobind Rai, he became Guru Gobind Singh. He also pronounced that all Sikh women embody royalty, and gave them the surname Kaur (Princess).

History of Baisakhi

About Sikhism  |  Guru Gobind Singh

Baisakhi or Vaisakhi Festival is celebrated as the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa Panth. History of Baisakhi traces its origin from the Baisakhi Day celebrations of 1699 organized by the Tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh to form Khalsa - Brotherhood of Saint Soldiers to fight against tyranny and oppression.

Story of Baisakhi
The story of Baisakhi Festival began with the martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru who was publicly beheaded by the Aurungzeb, the Mughal ruler. Aurungzeb wanted to spread Islam in India and Guru Tegh Bahadur stood up for the rights of Hindus and Sikhs and the Mughals therefore saw him as a threat.

After the death of Guru Teg Bahadur, his son, Guru Gobind Singh became the next Guru of the Sikhs. Guru Gobind Singh wished to instill courage and strength to sacrifice among his fellow men. To fulfil his dream, Guru Gobind Singh called on the historic Baisakhi Day congregation of Sikhs at Keshgarh Sahib near Anandpur on March 30, 1699.

When thousands of people assembled for Guru’s blessing, Guru Gobind Singh came out of the tent carrying an unsheathed sword. He gave a powerful speech to infuse courage amongst fellowmen. At the end of the speech he said that every great deed was preceded by equally great sacrifice and demanded that anyone prepared to give his life come forward. On the Guru’s third call, a young man offered himself. The Guru took the man inside a tent and reappeared alone with a bloodied sword. Guru Gobind Singh asked for another volunteer. This was repeated another four times until a total of five Sikhs had gone into the tent with the Guru. Everyone present was worried and though that Guru Gobind Singh has killed five Sikhs. At this point Guru presented all the five men before the people. Every one present was surprised to see all five men alive and wearing turbans and saffron-coloured garments.

These five men were called Panj Piara or 'Beloved Five' by the Guru. The Guru blessed them with a Pahul ceremony. In an iron vessel, the Guru stirred with a sword called Khanda Sahib, the batasha that his wife, Mata Sundari Ji had put into water. The congregation recited verses from scriptures as the Guru performed the sacred ceremony. The water was now considered the sacred nectar of immortality called amrit. It was first given to the five volunteers, then drunk by the guru and later distributed amongst the crowd. With this ceremony, all those present, irrespective of caste or creed, became members of the Khalsa Pantha (the Order of the Pure Ones).

The Guru regarded the Panch Piaras as the first members of the Khalsa and the embodiment of the Guru himself. With the constitution of the Panj Pyare the high and low castes were amalgamated into one as among the original Panj Pyare, there was one Khatri, shopkeeper; one Jat, farmer; one Chhimba, calico printer; one Ghumar, water-carrier; and one Nai, a barber. The Guru gave the surname of Singh (Lion) to every Sikh and also took the name for himself. From Guru Gobind Rai he became Guru Gobind Singh. This was seen as a great step in national integration because society at that time was divided on the basis of religion, caste and social status.

Guru Gobind Singh also bestowed on Khalsa, the unique Sikh identity. He directed Sikhs to wear five K's: Kesh or long hair, Kangha or comb, Kripan or dagger, Kachha or shorts and a Kara or bracelet. Guru Gobind Singh also discontinued the tradition of Gurus and asked all Sikhs to accept the Grantha Sahib as their eternal guide. He urged them to come to him with their hair and beard unshorn to get baptized by the sword.

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