The Sikh Cast

In this podcast, SikhRI Research Associate Jasleen Kaur explores the impact of the Sidak leadership program with alum, Phera Singh. Learn more about Sidak: https://social.sikhri.org/tsi-sidak Featuring: Jasleen Kaur ( ⁠⁠https://sikhri.org/people/jasleen-kaur⁠⁠ )

Explore Var Sat (Mahala 3) 1/2: https://bit.ly/var-sat-m3-1 ‘Var Sat’ (seven days) is commonly known as ‘Satvar’ or ‘Satvara.’ Satvara is a classical and popular poetic form based on the seven days of the week. In this poetic form, each stanza begins with a particular day of the week and describes an idea, sentiment, or superstitious belief associated with that day. Featuring: Jasleen Kaur (⁠⁠⁠⁠ h...

In this podcast, SikhRI Research Associate Jasleen Kaur explores the impact of the Sidak leadership program with alum, Radhika Kaur. Learn more about Sidak: https://social.sikhri.org/tsi-sidak Featuring: Jasleen Kaur ( ⁠https://sikhri.org/people/jasleen-kaur⁠ )

SikhRI Research Associate, Jasleen Kaur discusses the value of Sidak with alumni, Gurpartap Singh. Sidak offers young Sikh adults a Gurmat-centered leadership learning experience, empowering them to strengthen and shape the Sikh future. Learn more about Sidak: https://social.sikhri.org/tsi-sidak Featuring: Jasleen Kaur ( https://sikhri.org/people/jasleen-kaur )

In this podcast, Jasleen Kaur reflects on Guru Nanak Sahib’s sabad, exploring the question of what is genuine within us, and what elements of ego we must navigate. Featuring: Jasleen Kaur ( https://sikhri.org/people/jasleen-kaur ) Read the article: https://sikhri.org/articles/on-performing-piety #SikhCommunity #Sikhs #GuruNanakSahib #GuruNanak #GuruNanakDevJi #GuruGranthSahib #GuruGranthSahibJi #R...

Explore Barah Maha (Mahala 5): https://bit.ly/barah-maha-m5-podcast On 14 March, in celebration of the Nanakshahi Sikh New Year, The Guru Granth Sahib Project released the annotation of Barah Maha, a powerful composition revealed by Guru Arjan Sahib in Rag Majh. This musical mode beautifully captures the emotions of separation, longing, and the deep yearning for union with IkOankar (the Divine). A...

Explore Bhagat Ramanand: https://bit.ly/bhagat-ramanand In this Sabad, Bhagat Ramanand Ji highlights the significance of remembering the all-pervading IkOankar (the Divine) rather than worshipping the idol of any deity. He asserts that since IkOankar is omnipresent, there is no need to visit specific pilgrimage sites to show devotion to IkOankar. Featuring: Jasleen Kaur ( ⁠⁠https://sikhri.org/peop...

Explore Thiti (Mahala 1): https://bit.ly/thiti-m1 Thiti refers to a lunar calendar day, counted from the first to the fifteenth day based on the moon's phases. As a poetic form, Thiti is structured around the fifteen lunar days of the Indic calendar months. The Guru Granth Sahib includes three such compositions by Guru Nanak Sahib, Guru Arjan Sahib, and Bhagat Kabir Ji. In his Thiti, Guru Nana...

Explore the Sabads at: http://bit.ly/birth-naming-ceremonies In Sikh tradition, the Birth & Naming Ceremony compositions nurture a sense of connection, love, and gratitude with IkOankar (the Divine). These ceremonies create a deep sense of belonging within both the family and the larger Sikh community, reflecting the lasting power of love and compassion. Through these compositions, gratitude i...

Bhagat Surdas Ji, one of the fifteen Bhagat contributors to the Guru Granth Sahib, has a composition recorded on page 1253. This line encourages the mind to abandon the company of those who have turned away from IkOankar (the Divine). Explore Bani Bhagat Surdas Ji: https://bit.ly/bani-bhagat-surdas-ji Featuring: Muktnoor Kaur #SikhCommunity #Sikhs #GuruGranthSahib #GuruGranthSahibJi #Sikhi #Wisdom...

‘Var Sat,’ commonly called 'Satvar' or 'Satvara,' is a poetic form based on the seven days of the week. It is a unique literary style that connects each day of the week with a specific idea, emotion, teaching, or reflection. In the Guru Granth Sahib, compositions revealed in the Var Sat poetic form include those by Bhagat Kabir Ji and Guru Amardas Sahib. Explore Var Sat (Kabir Ji): https://bit.ly/...

Gatha refers to a song or verse, rooted in the word gai , to speak, sing, or recite. It can also refer to a profound discourse with the self beyond simple praise or devotion. Within its short saloks, this Bani explores how to overcome the five thieves-vices through praise and companionship.   Explore Mahala 5 Gatha: https://bit.ly/mahala-5-gatha Featuring: Jasleen Kaur ( https://sikhri.org/people/...

Harinder Singh explores Bhai Vir Singh's unique framing of Sikh history at Bhai Vir Singh Sahitya Sadan, Delhi. • How did Bhai Vir Singh perceive and narrate Sikh history? • What lens did he use to contextualize Sikh history within Indic and Western frameworks? • How does his understanding inspire contemporary interpretations of Sikh history? Dive into the wisdom of Bhai Vir Singh and discover how...

The essence of this composition is revealed in the stanza of rahau (Pause). In it, worldly accounting (entanglements) is described as useless. In the rest of the stanzas, the being is inspired to engage in true devotion to IkOankar instead of getting caught up in meaningless wordplay. Only by singing the praises of IkOankar can one be freed from worldly entanglements and gain honor in the court of...

This composition, aligned with the fifteen lunar days, follows Sukhmani Sahib in the Guru Granth Sahib. Though brief, it shares Sukhmani Sahib's simplicity and depth of message, making it a customary recitation after Sukhmani Sahib. The term ‘thiti’ is a variant of ‘tithi,’ a Sanskrit word that appears in the Guru Granth Sahib as ‘thiti,’ ‘thīti,’ or ‘thitī.’ Poetry inspired by the lunar calendar...

Since 1984, in the aftermath of “Operation Blue Star” and the Sikh Genocide, many narratives have surfaced—graphic, heartbreaking, and deeply emotional. Yet, one crucial perspective often remains overlooked: the voices of the first responders. These brave individuals saved lives, offered aid in relief camps, and documented the earliest accounts of the atrocities. Join SikhRI as we pay tribute to t...

Join host Santbir Singh as he delves into the profound impact of 1984 through the personal reflections of guest Pritpal Singh. In this intimate and moving conversation, Pritpal offers a rare, firsthand perspective on how the events of that year shaped the lives of countless Sikhs. Moving beyond historical accounts, this episode brings listeners into the raw realities of 1984, offering younger dias...

Patti is a poetic form rooted in the Gurmukhi alphabet. Traditionally, students in Punjabi culture used a wooden tablet, called a patti, to practice writing letters. The Guru Granth Sahib contains several compositions structured around the alphabet, including the Patti revealed by Guru Nanak Sahib. This particular Patti consists of thirty-five two-line stanzas, along with a stanza of rahau, or Pau...

To mark the 40th year of the violence of 1984, we reflect on the events that unfolded in India and make connections with the ongoing and durable violence against Sikhs, Muslims, and other minority groups in India and the diaspora. Featuring: Uma Chakravarti ( https://sikhri.org/people/uma-chakravarti ) Shruti Devgan ( https://sikhri.org/people/shruti-devgan ) Sukhman Singh Dhami ( https://sikhri.o...

In Maru Kaphi, Guru Nanak Sahib reflects on the grief caused by separation from IkOankar, showing that even with worldly comforts, one remains unhappy without this connection. It emphasizes that the transient nature of worldly relationships and explains that eternal union with IkOankar can be achieved through the Guru’s wisdom. Explore Maru Kaphi: https://bit.ly/maru-kaphi Featuring: Jasleen Kaur...

In this Sabad, Bhagat Sain Ji sings the ‘Arti’ of the transcendent Supreme Being, IkOankar (the Divine). He emphasizes that the true 'Arti' of IkOankar is not a ritualistic act of adorning a platter with incense, lamps, and ghee. Instead, it lies in adoring and singing the praises of IkOankar. Through this, a seeker experiences bliss and fulfillment in life. Explore Bani Bhagat Sain Ji: ht...

In this episode, we embark on a deeply personal and spiritual journey to Sri Harimandar Sahib, the Golden Temple, through the evocative words of Inni Kaur. With her vivid storytelling, Inni shares the emotional and transformative experience of her pilgrimage, where reflection, connection, and self-discovery come to life. Immerse yourself in this moving narrative that invites you to feel the sacred...

‘Pahare’ is considered to be a form of folk poetry in Panjabi. This poetic genre is based on the consciousness of time. Examples of this poetic genre are found only in the Guru Granth Sahib. Dividing day and night into four quarters each and expressing one’s feelings through them is the classical basis of this poetic genre. To liberate the commoner from the superstition of believing in the auspici...

Guru Arjan Sahib’s Chaubole focuses on love, teaching that true devotion to IkOankar (the Divine) brings constant joy. A lover fully immersed in this love is ready to sacrifice everything for the Beloved. Their mind remains absorbed in the Divine, while those attached to worldly possessions and relationships remain unhappy, despite material comforts. Explore Chaubole: https://bit.ly/chaubole Speak...

These four stanzas are four stages of a seeker’s union with IkOankar (the Divine). They depict the seeker’s spiritual journey. These four stanzas are also sung when the Sikh bride and groom circumambulate four times around the Guru Granth Sahib to solemnize their wedding. Featuring: Jaswant Singh ( https://sikhri.org/people/jaswant-singh ) Explore Lava: https://bit.ly/tggsp-lava-youtube #GuruGrant...