Bunga Azaadi: House Paath Services

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Bunga Azaadi: House Paath Services

Bunga Azaadi: House Paath Services

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Raag Kirtan

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Raagis (Sign Up!)

Please review the short essay below discussing the importance of Raag and why it must be preserved. As a Bunga, we take this as both a Guru-blessed tradition and a gift, so wish for it to once again thrive!

Therefore, one of the services that Sangat can request is a “Raag Darbar”. Here, Raagis will perform kirtan in Raag only. We believe this is such a great way to commemorate various life events rather than defaulting to Sukhmani Sahib Paaths every time (that so many do not even seem to listen to). Instead, Raag Kirtan can be performed to match various moods of the Sangat whilst relaying GurBani in the beautiful way it was intended to be relayed. We believe by exposing Sangat to the gold, they will lose their taste for copper*.

If you know Raag Kirtan and would like to be paid to perform it for Sangat who request it, then please consider signing up to our database of contacts.

You will be paid!⁠

When we get a request, we will send out an alert to see who is available. Fill in the form below to be added:

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Raagis Made with Fillout, the best way to make forms, surveys and quizzes your audience will answer. forms.fillout.com⁠

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Disclaimer: Please only apply if you perform Raag Kirtan only (Tanti Saaj is priority, but going to need tabla/jori players as well who accompany)

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Understanding Raag Kirtan

Raag Kirtan is a traditional and classical form of Sikh devotional music that involves singing GurBani in specific musical measures called Raags. A Raag is a complex structure of musical notes designed to evoke particular emotions and sentiments, creating an atmosphere that enhances the spiritual experience of the listeners.

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Historical and Cultural Significance

Divine Structure of Gurbani: The Guru Granth Sahib is composed using 31 main Raags and numerous sub-Raags (60 in total). Each hymn is meant to be sung in its designated Raag, which aligns with its spiritual and emotional content. This meticulous structuring underlines the depth and sophistication of Sikh scripture and its musical tradition.

High-Class Musical Tradition: Raag Kirtan represents a high level of musical sophistication and cultural refinement. Historically, it was performed in the courts (Darbars) of royals, signifying its esteemed status. The Gurus themselves emphasized its importance, and the tradition was upheld by accomplished musicians who were often patronized by kings and noblemen.

Elevated Spiritual Status: In Sikhi, every follower of the Guru is considered a sovereign. By engaging in Raag Kirtan, Sikhs connect with this royal legacy and elevate their spiritual consciousness. This form of Kirtan is not merely a performance but a profound spiritual practice that aligns the devotee with the divine vibrations of Gurbani.

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Post-Colonial Shifts and Simplification

With the advent of British colonialism in India, significant cultural and social changes impacted Sikh traditions. The colonial period saw a decline in traditional practices, including Raag Kirtan, due to several factors:

Simplification of Kirtan: The colonial influence brought about a shift towards more simplistic and accessible forms of Kirtan. This change was partly due to the need to cater to larger congregations and the reduced availability of traditionally trained Raagis (musicians).

Western Musical Influence: The introduction of Western musical instruments and styles led to the adaptation of Kirtan in ways that diverged from classical Raag structures. Harmoniums (Vaajai) and other instruments became more common, replacing the traditional string instruments used in Raag Kirtan.

Educational and Cultural Disruptions: Colonial policies disrupted traditional education systems, including the transmission of classical music knowledge. As a result, the intricate art of Raag Kirtan suffered, with fewer individuals capable of maintaining and teaching this high art form.

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Importance of Preserving Raag Kirtan

Cultural Heritage: Raag Kirtan is a vital part of Sikh cultural and spiritual heritage. Preserving it ensures that the unique and rich traditions of Sikh music are passed down to future generations.

Spiritual Depth: Singing Gurbani in its designated Raag allows for a deeper spiritual experience. The specific emotional and spiritual resonance of each Raag enhances the connection between the devotee and the divine word.

High Consciousness Society: Maintaining the tradition of Raag Kirtan reflects a society that values high culture, spiritual depth, and sophistication. It symbolizes a collective consciousness that is elevated and refined, akin to the royal courts where such music was revered.

Authentic Practice: Upholding Raag Kirtan is essential for maintaining the authenticity of Sikh worship as envisioned by the Gurus. It ensures that Gurbani is experienced in the manner intended, preserving its full spiritual and musical impact.

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The Restaurant Analogy

If you went to an expensive, fancy restaurant you would expect that the food to be brought out in gold-plated platters and the finest silverware cutlery. However, how would you feel if the waiters simply came out with plastic sporks and paper plates? Sure, the food is the same, but presentation matters.

If GurBani is the nutritional and tasty food, then Kirtan is the way it is plated and presented. Due to how highly we regard GuBani and accept its status as Guru, then it is kind of insulting to not match that standard in the way we present it. This is how most modern-day Kirtan has become. If the human-form of the Gurus were still present, no loving Sikh would be happy with sitting them on a plastic chair. We’d only be happy placing them on the finest, most royal thrones.

In the same way Raag Kirtan is the gold-standard, and all these other simpler forms are copper in comparison. The Shabad is still the same, and sure it will still provide value to people. But it is more of a matter of reverence and respect, rather than a matter of effectiveness — although, even in this matter there is a point to be made.

The Guru’s designed Shabads with Raags in mind on purpose. It helps convey the mood of the Shabad when recited and accompanied in the assigned Raag. By mismatching it or just not performing them in Raags at all loses a lot of that essence which is unfortunate.

So if we want to truly honour our Guru and recognise its status as the king of kings, then lets perform Kirtan in a way fit for the king of kings.

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Summary

In summary, Raag Kirtan is a profound and high-class tradition within Sikhi, representing a spiritually elevated and culturally refined practice. Despite the challenges posed by historical shifts and colonial influence, preserving this tradition is crucial for maintaining the integrity and depth of Sikh devotional music and spiritual practice.

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