Gurmat Sangeet (Music)

Gurmat Sangeet is the music that accompanies Gurbani singing, KIRTAN. Bani from Aadi Granth (Granth Sahib) and Dasam Granth (Bani recited by Guru Gobind Singh ji) is written in a particular way. Each shabad, salok, or shand has been set to be sung in a particular way. For example:

(click for Shabad example (pdf document) )

 
To sing one needs to balance two components 1) Musical Notes, often referred to as SUR, and RAAG, 2) Rythmn, referred to as Taal.

Each shabad has been prescribed by the Gurus to be sung in a particular Raag and Taal. This practice has largely been disregarded by the Sikh singers in favour of the more popular type of music such as Bollywood, Geet , Gazals and Folk Music.

At Ramgarhia we have long been staunch patrons to continue the tradition and teach, preach and practice Gurbani Sangeet as prescribed and ordered by our Gurus. We endeavour to find teachers and students who will adopt this part of the Guru updesh (Order). Ramgarhia Woolwich was the first Gurdwara to start teaching Gurbani Kirtan with Sital Singh Ji Sitara. Sital Singh Ji has taught kirtan to 4 generations in Woolwich.

The present day teachers Bhagwant Singh Ji and Sarwan Singh have also turned out some useful kirtanias.

Guru Ji has said about Kirtan, ‘Kirtan Nirmolak Heera’, singing gurbani is more valuable than the most priceless diamond. Have you ever wondered why?

1) For the singer it presents so much opportunity to embrace the guru’s message, when you consider the amount of time it takes to learn the notes, apply the words, practice them to a presentable standard. All that time spent with the Guru’s word……….
2) It presents opportunities for the singers to make a very handsome income
3) For the listeners it creates a harmonistic atmosphere in which to meditate and ponder over the Guru’s words.
Learn Gurbani, Learn Kirtan, Learn Gurbani, Learn Kirtan, Learn Gurbani

Valjinder Singh Virdee
General Secretary

(Click for full pdf document)