A Journey Through the 31 Raags
SikhNet Launches Gurmat Sangeet Certification Program
SikhNet Learning Center is launching Fundamentals of Gurmat Sangeet, a structured certification program designed to guide learners into the authentic tradition of Raag-based Shabad Keertan established by the Sikh Gurus.
Conducted under the guidance of Dr. Gurnam Singh and taught by Dr. Leena Singh, the program is presented in academic association with Sikh Heritage Symphony and Guru Nanak School, San Jose, in collaboration with SikhNet.
The initiative represents an effort to reconnect learners around the world with the foundational principles of Gurmat Sangeet through a systematic educational framework rooted in the musicology of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
The Sikh Gurus established a well-organized tradition of Shabad Keertan in which Gurbani is rendered through prescribed Raags. Within Gurmat Sangeet, Raag is not merely a musical framework but a spiritual medium through which the Shabad is experienced, internalized, and expressed. In Sikh tradition, Shabad Keertan serves as a primary means of devotion, cultivating and strengthening the connection of the mind with Gurbani.
The Gurmat Sangeet curriculum has been designed as a complete Journey to the 31 Raags of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and is organized into two structured certification stages: Fundamentals of Gurmat Sangeet (Levels 1–3) and Advanced Gurmat Sangeet: Journey Through All 31 Raags (Levels 4–7). Together, these seven levels provide a progressive and systematic pathway through the Raag tradition of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
The current launch introduces the Fundamentals of Gurmat Sangeet course covering Levels 1, 2, and 3, which establish the foundational stage of learning. Across these three levels, students are introduced to the fundamentals of music alongside Gurbani-based musical training and Raag-based Shabads.
As learners progress through Levels 2 and 3, they begin a structured journey into Shabad Keertan within the Raag tradition of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Students learn Shabads in Bilawal, Aasa, Kalyan, Bhairao, Dhanasri, Parbhati, Devgandhari, and Ramkali Raags, along with singing compositions from Japji Sahib and Anand Sahib.
In total, the foundational curriculum of Levels 1 through 3 includes the basics of music along with twenty-five Shabads across eight Raags of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. These preparatory levels are designed to establish a strong musical and spiritual foundation before students continue toward the complete study of all 31 Raags.
The second stage of the curriculum, Advanced Gurmat Sangeet: Journey Through All 31 Raags (Levels 4–7), expands into deeper and more advanced Shabad Keertan training covering all 31 Raags of Sri Guru Granth Sahib through approximately seventy Shabad compositions.
In Levels 4 and 5, students learn Shabads in Gaurhi, Gujri, Parbhati, Tilang, Sarang, Suhi, Gond, Bilawal, Kalyan, Aasa, Bhairao, Dhanasri, Devgandhari, Basant, and Ramkali. These levels also introduce advanced Gurbani forms and compositions including Aasa Di Vaar, Lavan, Basant Ki Vaar, Partaal, and Sodar Di Chauki.
In Levels 6 and 7, learners complete the remaining Raags of Sri Guru Granth Sahib through the study of Siri, Maajh, Bihagrha, Sorath, Todi, Bairarhi, Tukhari, Malaar, Jaitsri, Wadahans, Nat Narain, Mali Gaurha, Maru, Kedara, Kanrha, and Jaijavanti. These advanced levels also include the study of Barahmah, Alahunia, Ghorhian, Paurhi Malaar, Vaar compositions, and various Partaal structures.
The educational framework also reflects the broader Gurmat Sangeet tradition established by the Sikh Gurus, historically organized through three interconnected streams: Shabad Keertan (vocal music), Tanti Saaz (string instruments), and Jorhi / Tabla (percussion instruments).
From the time of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Bhai Mardana Ji, Shabad Keertan evolved as a deeply integrated spiritual and musical tradition rooted in Raag, voice cultivation, string instruments such as Rabab, Saranda, Taus, and Dilruba, along with disciplined rhythmic accompaniment. The curriculum emphasizes this authentic Gurmat Sangeet approach while making structured learning accessible globally through modern online education.
The organizers hope this initiative will help reconnect today’s generation with the musical heritage of Gurbani while preserving the authentic Raag-based Keertan tradition for future generations.
The Sikh Gurus envisioned Gurbani not only to be read, but sung through Raag, internalized through devotion, and experienced collectively through Keertan. Through this structured journey into the 31 Raags of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, learners are invited to reconnect with that timeless tradition.