Gurbani-Kirtan has been given special importance in Sikhism. Kirtan of Gurbani has become an integral part of Sikh life (religious, social, cultural, etc.) as it is customary to perform Kirtan during all rites from birth to death. Its feature is that Gurbani kirtan can be performed by anyone, anywhere, at any time and without any special pomp and in it everyone without any discrimination (caste, clan, country, religion, etc.) There is full freedom of participation of low caste, male and female, etc.
‘Kirtan’ – Gurbani’s kirtan is a bhava-purana and rasa-bhinna sung kirtan in style-specific ragas, set to rhythm.
(According to Gurmati’s style of kirtan, the meaning of performing kirtan in the prescribed ragas is to sing the word in the raga in which it is recorded.)
The effect of Gurbani-Kirtan, i.e. the music sung by the kirtanis of the Guru-ghar through combination of words and raga, is supernatural and miraculous. In fact, not only the Sikhs or the Indians but the entire humanity has received the priceless gift of Kirtan from Akal Purakh through which the entire world can be absorbed in devotion.
“ਕਲਜੁਗ ਮਹਿ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਪਰਧਾਨਾ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਪੀਐ ਲਾਇ ਧਿਆਨਾ ॥”
kalajug meh keeratan paradhaanaa ॥ gurmukh japeeaai lai dhiaanaa ॥
(In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, the Kirtan of the Lord’s Praises are most sublime and exalted.
gurmukh japeeaai lai dhiaanaa || Become Gurmukh, chant and focus your meditation.)
(Raag Maaroo – Guru Arjan Dev Ji – Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji – Ang 1075)