Previous

Next

Ask a Question

Summary of Question:	Woman Kirtaniayas
Category:	Gurbani
Date Posted:	Thursday, 11/07/2002 8:31 PM MST

I am doing doctoral research on ragis and raginis and want to know where do female kirtaniyaas and raginis sing kirtan and tell me why they are not allowed to sing in the Harmandir? What is the justification?

**********
REPLY
*********
Sat Siri Akaal. If you want a justification, you can try to get a response from the SGPC, because this group operates all the historic Gurdwaras, including Akaal Takht, Harimandir, and others. www.sgpc.net

There is NO justification that is in keeping with the 10 Gurus teachings concerning women. From a strictly CULTURAL rather than Sikh-based perspective, I guess it may relate to Punjabi or Indian historic traditions concerning men and women and their place in society.

I cannot tell you where women kirtanis play specifically. There are gurdwaras all over India and the West where women play kirtan. Start by searching www.sikhseek.com. Perhaps someone reading this will also have ideas.
-DKK