What you must know if Guru Ji is coming to your house?

Introduction:

There are all sorts of reasons why people want to have the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at their houses. In sad times we need strength, in times of happiness we say thank you and at some occasion we seek the Gurus blessings. Whatever the reason we must remember one thing that your house must have a Gurdwara Atmosphere in the presence of Sri Guru Granth sahib Ji to show utmost respect to Guru Ji.

A few points to be aware of:

• The reason why we are seeking Guru Ji’s blessings. Some “Sikhs” may be opening an off licence and therefore want Guru Ji’s blessings before the Grand opening. This is ridiculous as the Guru would never bless corrupt practices which they preached against. Guru Nanak Dev Ji refused a meal at the palace of a King due to the same principle.

• In the Darbar (room where Guru Ji‘s parkash is) there should be no photos of the deceased (dead), living humans, and idols present. The platform of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji should be the highest and the focal point of the Darbar. No photo of a person should be placed in front of Guru Ji, that is a Anti-Sikh ritual which is forbidden, as Sikhs do not bow to photos or idols.

• There should be no meat, alcohol (drugs) or tobacco present within the premises.

• Nobody should rest or walk in the room above Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

• Head should be covered at all times.

All the above are basic principles in order to maintain a high level of respect of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Please keep them in mind for the next time you plan to have Darshan of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji at your house.

Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji ki Fateh.

Written by Professor Daljit Singh, Chairman of Sikh Institutes Amritsar. Bsc honours in Sikh studies and university lecturer of Sikh studies.

Review of Current Nagar Kirtans

Historic Trend

Nagar Kirtans started of in Punjab, but the old Nagar Kirtans weren’t like the ones we see today. At Amrit-vela early in the morning when people used to go to the local Gurdwara on the way they would Sing Kirtan, people came out of their houses when they heard the Kirtan and joined the Nagar Kirtan. Therefore a lot of people walked to the Gurdwara in the form of sangat. Infact everyday there could be a few Small Nagar Kirtans in one pind (village) as people got together from different directions. So these types of Nagar Kirtans used to happen every Amrit-vela.

Why was they done?

• Act as an alarm for the people still sleeping.
• For spiritual benefit of the soul (better then talking crap on the way to a Gurdwara).
• They formed some sort of safety for the common civilian who wanted to go to the Gurdwara at Amrit-vela when it is dark (Punjab had no lights in them days and thieves and rapists used to work at night).

Current Trend

These days Nagar Kirtans are conducted in a different manner for a different objective. Instead of going to the Gurdwara the Nagar Kirtan starts from the Gurdwara and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is paraded with Sangat across local streets. The idea is to show the local community Sikh principals of sharing, as food is distributed by Sikhs to all without discrimination and to spread awareness of the Sikh faith.

Positive aspects

• Links with other Sikhs are made.
• Good day to get Parchaar (guidance) out to the Sangat.
• Shows unity.

Negative Aspects

• The dress sense of a lot of people is a disgrace (some people forget they are in Sangat form) they wear enticing clothing. The men mostly wear caps and hoodies instead of ramals. They show of their Tattoos and big chests. It’s more of a pulling field (flirting) then anything else for a lot of youth.
• The Dhol has been introduced which creates a carnival atmosphere; people start to dance and sing explicit lyrics. (More of a Nagar Bhangra then Nagar Kirtan Scene is created).
• An opportunity for non-Sikhs to wear Karas (pretend to be Sikhs) and deceive our women folk.
• Some people bring intoxications and are buzzing throughout the procession.
• Young couples meet up and sneak of to side roads and parks to indulge in lustful activities.
• A lot of the above activities portray Sikhs in the wrong way and brings shame and dishonour to our nation.

Conclusion

The Nagar Kirtans these days seem to have more of a negative aspect and I see the situation worsening unless more measures are put in to improve the standards.

The Dhol should be completely taken out of the Nagar Kirtan, unless it is used for a Gatka demo. The Dhols rightful place is in a club or wedding party not a Nagar kirtan being led by Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

– By Harpreet Kaur (15) Hackney East London