Langar | Kirtan | Path Services

You can reserve services like Guru ka Langar, Gurbani Kirtan, or Path Programs such as Sukhmani Sahib Path or Sahaj Path for you and your family by contacting the Gurdwara Sahib Office. Additionally, Langar in Sikhism is not just about serving food; it symbolizes the concept of equality, community, and selfless service. It's a free community kitchen where everyone, regardless of caste, creed, or social status, is welcome to partake in a communal meal together. This tradition emphasizes the importance of sharing, humility, and breaking down barriers of discrimination.

Services

The services such as Akhand Path Sahib, as well as facilitating opportunities for families to receive blessings and celebrate together with the community during significant milestones such as childbirth or weddings.

Some of the services include:

Akhand Path Sahib
Sikh Wedding Services
Sukhmani Sahib Path
Kirtan / Langar Services
Seniors Services
Sikhism Education Community Outreach Program
Youth Services
Food Bank Services

Guru Ka Langar

The Langar, a central feature of the Sikh religion, was initiated by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, circa 1481. Its purpose is to promote equality among individuals regardless of their religious affiliation, caste, race, age, gender, or social standing. The Langar aims to address global poverty and foster the creation of compassionate communities.

Everyone is welcome to share the Langar; no one is turned away. The food at KDS Victoria BC normally is served every Sunday of the year. Each week a family or several families volunteer to provide and prepare the Langar.

Akhand Path Sahib

An Akhand Path, where "akhand" signifies uninterrupted and "path" denotes reading, involves the continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib from start to finish without any breaks. Typically, this recital is completed within 48 hours, covering all 1430 large pages of the sacred text. This practice is deeply revered and is believed to offer peace and comfort to both the participants and those who listen passively.

To qualify as an Akhand Path, the reading must proceed ceaselessly, day and night, without any pauses. A relay of reciters takes turns reading the scripture, ensuring there is no interruption in the recitation. As one reader concludes, the next seamlessly picks up where the previous left off, maintaining the flow of the reading without any breaks.

Sukhmani Sahib Path

Sukhmani Sahib refers to a collection of hymns categorized into 24 sections found in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scriptures of Sikhism, specifically on page 262. Each section, known as an Ashtpadi (meaning "eight" in Sanskrit), comprises eight hymns. The term "Sukhmani" translates to "Peace in your mind."

This compilation of hymns, or Bani, holds significant popularity among Sikhs, who frequently recite it in both Gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship) and at home. A complete recitation typically lasts around 90 minutes and is commonly practiced by congregants. According to Sikh teachings, this Bani is believed to bring inner peace to individuals and contribute to global harmony. These 192 hymns were compiled by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru.

Gurbani Kirtan

Gurbani Kirtan, also known as Shabad Kirtan or simply Kirtan, is a form of devotional music in Sikhism. It involves singing the Sacred Hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib accompanied by music. Kirtan holds significant importance in Sikh practice, with Sikhs encouraged to listen to or participate in Guru-Kirtan as frequently as possible.

Traditionally, Kirtan is performed using Ragas, which are classical music compositions. The Sikh scripture contains 31 Ragas and 17 Talas, providing the foundation for musical compositions in Kirtan.

According to Sikh teachings, the Guru has emphasized that Kirtan serves as a spiritual remedy to navigate through the dark era of Kaljug, provided the devotee sings the pure melodies with heartfelt focus on the meaning and true essence of the Gurbani.

ਕਲਜੁਗ ਮਹਿ ਕੀਰਤਨੁ ਪਰਧਾਨਾ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਜਪੀਐ ਲਾਇ ਧਿਆਨਾ ॥

Kaljug meh kīrṯan parḝẖĝnĝ. Gurmukẖ japīai lĝė ḝẖiĝnĝ.

In this Dark Age of Kali Yuga, the Kirtan of the Lord's Praises are most sublime and exalted.Become Gurmukh, chant and focus your meditation.

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