29/09/2024
It was a great honour to be the part of the launch of the first Sikh sacred music exams in the UK marks a historic milestone, integrating Kirtan into the universal eight-grade music examination system. Kirtan, the devotional singing of Sikh scriptures from the Guru Granth Sahib, has been a vital part of Sikh spiritual practice since the religion's origins in the 15th century. Students now have the opportunity to formally study five traditional Indian string instruments associated with Kirtan—dilruba, taus, esraj, sarangi, and saranda. Achieving higher grades (six to eight) even earns UCAS Tariff points, contributing towards university entry requirements, further bridging cultural and educational systems. BBC news coverage of the Sikh Sacred music exams launched at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall, Guru Nanak Road Gurdwara earlier this month.
Sikh sacred music, also known as Kirtan, has become part of the universal music examination system.