Indian Classical Music And Sikh Kirtan by Gobind Singh Mansukhani (M.A., LL.B, Ph.D.) © 1982 Qualifications of Kirtaniyas |
| Qualifications of Kirtaniyas Like any other profession, there should be some minimum qualifications for a kirtaniya (performer of kirtan). It has been observed recently that singers who know a few ragas and shabads call themselves ragis and begin to exploit the Sikhs’ devotion to kirtan. Knowledge and practice of kirtan is a lifelong education and requires total sadhana and sincerity. (1) The prospective singer should join a school of music or class of kirtan or take a recognised course or training from an expert musician for a number of years in the alert and technique of Hindustani classical music. He must train his voice and make it sweet and acquire proficiency in raga and tal. (2) He should memorise Gurbani and also know its meaning and relevance. (3) He must learn the traditional Shabad-ritan (modes of singing) from experts. (4) He should practise the singing of dhrupad, khayal, vardhunis and partal. (5) He must have full knowledge of musical instruments and should specialise in playing on at lealst one instrument. (6) He must study the Sikh Scripture and acquire mastery over Sikh history and Gurmut-philosophy. He should also be in a position to give exposition of any hymn which he sings and be able to discourse on Sikh tenets and lives and objectives of the Gurus. (7) He should not make a vain display of his instrumental craftsmanship or voice-gymnastics. (8) He should be able to create the rasa of the hymn both in himself and the audience. He must convey the spirit of Gurbani so as to stabilise the mind and nourish the soul. Guru Ramdas wrote of kirtan-experience as follows: “The entire body and mind became rejuvenated, And the mind bloomed in the lush garden; The darkness of ignorance vanished, With the light of the lamp of divine knowledge” [2]. (9) A kirtaniya should not fix any fee for doing kirtan at any place. (10) A ragi should have an excellent moral character. He must practise what he preaches. He has to play an important role as a link between the Sikh and Gurbani. Guru Arjan showed great respect to kirtaniyas. Once he went on foot to the house of Balwant and Satta to call them for performing kirtan before the congregation. (11) To do kirtan with the help of a book or Gutka is against tradition because the singer cannot link his mind to the hymn. |