Spiritual music to follow the Gurus' path

The sacred teachings of the Gurus and the path of righteousness shown by them are not just a source of guidance for the Sikh community but a message for the entire humanity.

For souls seeking the eternal message, the three-day Gurbani Sangeet Samagam, held at Talkatora Gardens the past weekend, became the ultimate destination.

Organised by the Punjabi Academy, in association with Department of Art, Culture and Languages, Government of Delhi, the event brought to the people of the Capital a mystical experience of Gurbani redolent with the sacred verses. 

Nine singers such as Bibi Ashupreet Kaur from Jalandhar, LK Pandit and Bibi Ishwanik Kaur from Delhi, and Barkat Sidhu from Moga, among others, took the listeners on a transcendental journey of spiritualism.

“The tradition of Gurbani is an intrinsic part of our heritage. We are a land of gurus and saints who have preached for the cause of humanity, exhorting their followers to follow the right path. 

This event is a part of our efforts to showcase our rich culture and heritage,” says Rinku Dhugga, secretary, Art, Culture & Languages, Government Of Delhi.

The inaugural day, April 18, featured the famous Bibi Ashupreet Kaur from Jalandhar. 

Ashupreet, along with her sisters, received taleem from Om Prakash Thapar and advance training in khayal gayaki from Dr Ashwani Bhide. 

She is celebrated for singing shabad kirtans in prescribed ragas and regaled the audience with the same. The other singers of the day were Ragi Harbans Singh Ghulla and Pt Laxman Krishnarao Pandit.

The second day had an equally impressive line-up with Bibi Ishwanik Kaur, Bhai Avtar Singh Garna Sahib and Dr Gurunam Singh taking the stage. 

Ishwanik Kaur is amongst a handful of young performers who have remained true to the classical tradition of Gurmat Sangeet. Bhai Avtar Singh has performed extensively in US, Canada and Europe, spreading the word of Gurbani through his mellifluous voice. 

Dr Gurnam Singh, on the other hand, is a professor at Punjabi University, Patiala.

The last day made for a befitting finale to the programme with performances by Ragi Baljeet Singh, Barkat Sidhu and Bhai Gurmeet Singh Shant. 

Ragi Baljeet Singh is a versatile singer adept in various styles of layakari such as Partaal, Tarana and Guldasta and regaled the listeners with the same. 

Barkat Sidhu enchanted all with Sufi-style music while Bhai Gurmeet Singh Shant sang from the holy text, Dasham Granth.  

“Gurbani is a unique blend of sacred verse and music and is unparalleled in beauty. Hearing the Gurbani is like an experience in catharsis. 

You hear the words of wisdom and your heart is cleansed of ill-wills and negative thoughts,” says Jawahar Dhawan, secretary, Punjabi Academy.