Shabad Kirtanਸ਼ਬਦ ਕੀਰਤਨ
Sikhism
Dedicated to Waheguru — the Sikh Gurus and the Guru Granth Sahib
Sikhism
Dedicated to Waheguru — the Sikh Gurus and the Guru Granth Sahib
Shabad Kirtan is the devotional singing of shabads — sacred hymns composed by the Sikh Gurus and enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib. Each shabad is set to a specific raag, a classical musical mode, so the music itself carries the meaning deeper than words alone can. It is not a performance. It is an invitation — for the singer and the sangat alike — to dissolve into the Guru's wisdom through sound.
The Gurus did not compose shabads to be read silently — they were meant to be sung, heard, and felt in the company of the sangat. In Sikhism, Naam simran — constant remembrance of Waheguru — is considered the highest devotion, and Shabad Kirtan is the most direct path to it. When a family arranges kirtan at home, they are not just marking an occasion. They are bringing the Guru's presence into the space, and offering that grace to everyone gathered.
Shabad Kirtan is led by ragis — trained Sikh musicians who have studied both Gurbani and the classical raags in which each shabad must be sung. A ragi jatha (ensemble) usually has three to four members: a lead singer, harmonium player, tabla player, and sometimes a dilruba or sarangi. Many ragis serve full-time at gurdwaras and are also available for private programmes at homes and celebration venues.
The sangat sits together, facing the direction of the Guru Granth Sahib if one is present. The music is deeply contemplative — not silent, but not loud. The ragis sing a shabad, and the gathering listens, softly repeating familiar lines. There is no choreography or ritual to follow. You only need to be present.
Shabad Kirtan is specifically the singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib in raags — it is not the same as generic bhajan singing, and the term should never be used for non-Sikh devotional music.
Wherever Shabad Kirtan is sung in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib, everyone covers their head. Keep a few clean scarves (rumals) near the entrance for guests.
Hosting Guru Granth Sahib at home follows its own maryada: a clean raised place, a canopy and a granthi to attend. Speak with your local gurdwara well before the day.
The ragis sing each shabad in a raag, and the sangat listens, softly repeating familiar lines. You don’t need to perform anything: being present is enough.
Kirtan at the bhog of an Akhand Path or Sukhmani Sahib Path at home, arranged with your gurdwara.
Open the checklistPronounced shuh-bud keer-tun
Also called Gurbani Kirtan, Sikh Kirtan, Kirtan Gurbani, Punjabi Kirtan
Also spelled Shabad Keertan, Shabd Kirtan
Shabad Kirtan is the devotional singing of shabads — hymns from the Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib — set to classical raags. It is the living centre of Sikh worship and can be arranged at gurdwaras or at home for any occasion.
They are the same practice. Gurbani means the words of the Gurus; Shabad is the individual hymn. Both terms describe the singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib. Gurbani Kirtan is slightly broader in usage; you will hear both interchangeably.
A home Shabad Kirtan programme typically lasts one and a half to three hours. Some families prefer a shorter evening session of around an hour; occasions such as a Sukhmani Sahib Paath bhog often involve a longer programme.
Shabad Kirtan is performed by ragis — trained Sikh musicians who have studied Gurbani and classical raags. A ragi jatha usually has three to four members, playing harmonium, tabla, and sometimes dilruba or kartal.
Yes. Home Shabad Kirtan — sometimes called ghar da kirtan — is a cherished Sikh tradition. Families arrange it for new homes, birthdays, anniversaries, Gurpurabs, or simply as an expression of gratitude.
Shabad Kirtan accompanies Anand Karaj (Sikh weddings), Gurpurabs, bhog ceremonies after Akhand Path or Sukhmani Sahib, home thanksgiving gatherings, and gurdwara divans.
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