Kirtan musicians: a wedding guide
Kirtan singers sing the hymns of a Sikh wedding. They play the harmonium and the tabla.
When couples book this
Usually booked about four months out. The gurdwara's own ragis sing most Anand Karajs and come with its calendar; a traveling jatha keeps its own, plus the travel. It moves with your date.
Still deciding the wedding
Your wishlist
Answer these before you meet anyone.
Where is the Anand Karaj happening?
In a gurdwara, or under a marquee at the family home with the Guru Granth Sahib brought from the gurdwara — the two settings the Akal Takht's rulings leave.
Beyond the Laavan, which shabads would you like sung?
Shabads your family holds dear, or leave it to the jatha. Kirtan in the sangat is Gurbani only — hymns of the Guru Granth Sahib, with Bhai Gurdas and Bhai Nand Lal for elaboration (Sikh Rehat Maryada, Art. VI) — and the granthi sets the order.
Comparing your options
How it’s usually priced
Usually priced as one flat amount.
Booked and settling details
What you settle once booked
Coordinated with the granthi?
The granthi conducts the ceremony and the jatha follows their order of service. Ask your gurdwara first — some sing every Anand Karaj with their own granthi and jatha.
Sound and seating setup
In a gurdwara the sound and seating are its own. Under a marquee at home: the jatha sits on the floor to one side of the Palki Sahib, with mics for the harmoniums and voices.
The week of the wedding
The day-of sheet
Confirm arrival, finish, who to call, access, a meal, and what is due.
Across the whole day
Choose which moments to include.
- Kirtan
For businesses
The brief a couple sends you has these sections:
- The kirtan
- The event
- Contacts