When: September 8-11, 2011
Where: Santa Cruz, CA
How: www.saanjh.org

Saanjh – meaning ‘partnering, sharing, connecting’ in Punjabi – is the annual Bay Area Sikh retreat taking place from September 8-11, 2011 at the magnificent site in the redwood forests of Santa Cruz, CA. Saanjh provides a platform where Sikhs can gather to connect with the Guru and reinvigorate their commitment to Sikhi. The hope is to challenge participants to help them gain a broader and more nuanced understanding of Sikhi while inspiring activism. Saanjh is open to all above 18 years of age.

The organizers have planned various interactive workshops and sessions, incorporating gurbaani, guru-itihaas, contemporary issues, human rights, and issues of gendered violence and resistance. Incorporating poetry, music, role-plays, and intimate discussions, Saanjh is confident to once again stimulate and challenge all of us. 
 

New this year, Saanjh is proud to announce that there will be a ‘Khandey Baatey di Paul’/ ‘Amrit Sanchaar’ . Khande di Pahul or Amrit is the most spiritually significant event in a Sikh’s life.  When one decides to partake in Amrit, she or he makes a commitment to walk the Sikh spiritual path.  Amrit is the beginning of a journey, not the end–it’s akin to admission into a school to study a subject matter seriously, not graduation. For those of you who are looking to make the commitment, Saanjh offers the venue for your commitment ceremony. Please email the organizers as soon as possible if you are decided.

The retreat will bring together young Sikhs from across North America (and sometimes beyond!) to participate and engage in Sikhi.  Whether or not we are ready to take Amrit – Saanjh offers a unique opportunity to observe and learn about this very special ceremony.  The retreat is a venue where we can learn about these significant and important aspects of Sikhi and feel supported as we embrace our individual journeys.  The sessions are dynamic and promise to inspire participants.  This year’s breakout sessions will include, “Guru and I”, “Poetry is Not a Luxury”, “Vaisakhi of 1699”, “2084: Looking Back, Looking Forward”, and “Gendered Violence and Spirited Sikh Resistance”.
 

We will partake in the magic of the of the morning and evening diwans; make new friends over a camp-fire or a hike through the redwoods; and enjoy expanding your knowledge and challenging your ideas in a respectful and inclusive environment.