Gurmat Sangīt Darbār

Gurmat Sangīt is the rich musical tradition of the Sikhs that evolved out of a practice dating back to the time of Gurū Nānak and his musician companion Bābā Mardānā. Historically this has largely been an oral tradition, which has been handed from generation to generation often from father to son in families that have been associated with Gurmat Sangīt since the times of the Gurūs.

Over the last several decades, a majority of the Sikh community has lost touch with this aspect of their rich musical heritage. The practitioners are rare and there is no common venue for the appreciators to relish this blessing. Yet with the grace of the Gurū, the practice of this divine art form is being revived by those who want to preserve this precious musical gift to humanity.

The Gurmat Sangīt Darbār is a tribute to the Gurū’s tradition. It is also an opportunity for young kīrtanīās from North America to share their skills and gift of gurbānī with the sangat. It provides a venue for the appreciators of Gurmat Sangīt to listen to, learn about, and propagate forth, this spiritual art form.

The Sikh Research Institute in partnership with Gurmat Sangeet Project has initiated this endeavor. Our intent is to honor and recognize kīrtanīās who have dedicated their lives to the preservation of the tradition. Also, we envision this will encourage the Sikh youth and young kīrtanīās to revive the Gurū-oriented musical heritage.