GAAVANI is an experience of devotional singing based on the principle of self-realization attained through the expression of female voices. GAAVANI celebrates singing Gurbani as the ultimate expression of devotion when the spirit rises to encompass the bliss of divine union. GAAVANI is a network of professional kirtanees and passionate students committed to a vision that encourages the presentation of female vocalists and instrumentalists.
The Connection of the Female Voice to the Divine Through Shabad
Kirtan is pure adoration of the soul expressed by singing the hymns of Gurbani composed in classical Raag which adds an element of emotion to devotion. Hymns or Shabads of Gurbani are composed in 31 different Raags, each denoting a hue and flavor imbued with the essence of tempo tuned to the hour of the day.
The Shabads, of Guru Granth Sahib, which liken the soul to a bride in love with the Beloved Divine groom, compare spiritual companions to soul-sister brides.
ਨਾਨਕ ਕਾਮਣਿ ਸਾ ਪਿਰ ਭਾਵੈ ਸਬਦੇ ਰਹੈ ਹਦੂਰੇ ॥੨॥
naanak kaaman saa pir bhaavai sabade rahai hadhoorae ||2||
O Nanak, that soul-bride is pleasing to her Beloved Lord, who, through the Shabad, remains in their Presence. ||2||SGGS 568ਨਿਜ ਘਰਿ ਵਾਸਾ ਪਾਏ ਸਬਦੁ ਵਜਾਏ ਸਦਾ ਸੁਹਾਗਣਿ ਨਾਰੀ ॥
nij ghar vaasaa paae sabad vajaae sadaa suhaagan naaree ||
Settled in the home of her inner being, she sings the Word of the Shabad, and is a happy soul-bride forever. SGGS 568ਸੁਣਿ ਸਖੀਅ ਸਹੇਲੜੀਹੋ ਮਿਲਿ ਮੰਗਲੁ ਗਾਵਹ ਰਾਮ ॥
sun sakheea sahaelarheeho mil mangal gaaveh raam ||
Listen, O my companions, and sister soul-brides, let's join together and sing the songs of joy. SGGS 846
GAAVANI 2024 Shabad Art ਬਿਲਪ ਕਰੇ ਚਾਤ੍ਰਿਕ ਕੀ ਨਿਆਈ ॥ It cries out like the thirsty song-bird. Raag Maajh Sung by Navpreet Kaur Art by Ameet Kaur
When a Shabad is sung by the female voice expressing the radiance of Gurbani, the experience of reveling in Oneness with heart, mind, and soul connected to the Divine Spirit within, is enhanced. The profound impact of sheer connection creates a spiritual space where the portal to the divine gateway opens in the realization that, where there is One, there is no other.
GAAVANI Team – Conception, Inspiration, and Foundation
You won't find her name in print on the GAAVANI website, but Navpreet Kaur is the driving force behind the GAAVANI scene. She synchronizes and harmonizes the various elements necessary to coordinate events featuring female vocalists (including the webpage). Sikhnet interviewed Navpreet Kaur, diving deep into GAAVANI.
Sikhnet: What is the basic principle that brought GAAVANI into being?
Navpreet Kaur: Our mandate is to share Gurbani through kirtan so that Sangat experiences Shabad on a transformative level and falls in love with Guru Nanak. When a shabad is sung by a skilled female, varied elements of the female spirit come through to create rich dimensions and unparalleled relevance. The female voice carries radiance, profound emotions and an elegance that must be heard. Many times, Guru Nanak guides us through the female perspective, so it is beneficial to experience the essence of the shabad through the expression of the female voice and spirit.
Sikhnet: Does GAAVANI have a Teaching Center?
Navpreet Kaur: Not at this time, but I would love to see a GAAVANI University one day. If I could live 100 years, my vision would be for all Sikh girls and boys to have their own personal Kirtan teacher. When children learn kirtan, they enjoy the musicality it is enough for them to enjoy. Over time, they can go deeper, seek answers, and naturally connect at deeper levels.
We do connect female students with female teachers, I could recommend:
- Priti Kaur in UK
- Laxmi Kaur in Delhi
- Rajwinder Kaur in Amritsar
- Gurneet Kaur in Colorado USA.”
Sikhnet: How did GAAVANI come about?
Navpreet Kaur: We originally organized ourselves as Raag Naad Parivaar and envisioned the first 31 Raag Gurmat Sangeet Darbar 3-day event in 2018 at Sikh Gurdwara Sahib, San Jose CA. Among the kirtanees featured, were Bhai Nirmal Singh Khalsa [who performed 9 Raags], Dr. Gurnam Singh [who performed 9 Raags], Bhai Tajvinder Singh [who performed 3 Raags], and Biba Gurneet Kaur [who performed 4 Raags] and had to forgo attending an important family wedding to participate in this event. It took a year of preparation, organization, and coordination, including fundraising to put on this event. It felt like we were at a 3-day wedding and we were all being wedded to the shabad. Dr. Gurnam Singh was proud to see the success of this event and advised Guneet Kaur and myself to organize a women’s program. Together, with Dr. Gurnam Singh, we came up with this name - GAAVANI and launched our first event at Gurdwara Sahib Freemont, CA featuring 14 all-female vocalists in May of 2022.
Sikhnet: Who are the founding members of, and main inspirations, for GAAVANI?
- Dr. Gurnam Singh – An essential part of the team, Navpreet Kaur describes Dr. Gurnam Singh as “a living legend,” His extensive credentials include in part, Dean (Former), Professor & Head of Gurmat Sangeet Chair (Punjabi University, Patiala, India), Founder & Head of music at Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar. He contributed to the revival and promotion of the classic string instruments - Rabab, Saranda, Taus, and Dilruba, with his performance at Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar. He recited the complete 31 Main Ragas along with 31 Raga forms (62 in total) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib with his melodious voice in the traditional musical style of Sikh music, recorded by HMIV company in 10 volumes, and presented at Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar. His works include 18 Books Published, 76 Research Papers Published of approximately 200 Research Articles, 27 Books Edited, 3 Books Translated, 04 Documentary Films, 23 Archival Recordings, 09 Video Lectures, 26 Audio Recordings, 4 Video Recordings and 6 Signature Tunes. Dr. Gurnam is a world-renowned kirtanee, the recipient of many awards, and a tireless proponent of Gurmat Sangeet.
- Biba Guneet Kaur – An integral part of the team Navpreet Kaur describes her as “a transformative and prolific kirtanee,” She began training in kirtan at age 7 with her mother and maternal Aunt. She received a further 6 years of training while working towards her Master's Degree in Indian Classical music from Allahabad University. She continued another 7 years of formal training. She performs throughout the United States, and trains students, in the Gurmat Sangeet tradition.
- Bhai Tajvinder Singh – A kirtan teacher described by Navpreet Kaur as, “relating well to kids,” his profound impact on kirtan students and their families played a “crucial role in the formation of GAAVANI.” Born in the USA, Tajvinder Singh received his early introduction to tabla and kirtan from his mother and uncle at age 8. He also taught himself by listening to recordings, and by age 10 had begun dreaming of performing kirtan at Darbar Sahib in Amritsar. His devotion and focus in his teenage years led to the ultimate fulfillment of his dream. By age 21, he had received awards and trophies throughout California for his proficiency in competitions of classical Kirtan and Tabla. His father accompanied him to Amritsar, where he became the youngest and first American-born Sikh to receive the appointment of Hazoori Ragi Sri Darbar Sahib. He currently teaches throughout Northern California. His sangat when teaching her elder son tabla, and younger son kirtan, inspired Navpreet Kaur to a “new deeper devotional connection of kirtan” which led to her involvement in arranging kirtan events, and ultimately the founding of GAAVANI.
- Biba Priti Kaur – “An influential force in providing support to GAAVANI,” she began singing as a child at the Mumbai Doordarshan, won singing competitions, and made several recordings. She is a graduate of Khairaghar University where she received a degree in Hindustani classical vocal music and Environmental Science. Currently based in the UK, she has a particular love for Gurbani Sangeet which she performs, and enjoys teaching, throughout Europe.
- Dr. Manpreet Singh – “A driving force of motivation and support within the GAAVANI initiative,” his enthusiasm is described by Navpreet Kaur as that of a “champion, mentor and expert.” A third-generation kirtanee, Dr. Manpreet Singh studied formally at the Punjabi University Patiala where he received a gold medal and his Doctorate in Gurmat Sangeet Studies. He is the paternal grandson of the late Shiromani Ragi Bhai Uttam Singh Patang and the paternal nephew of Dr. Gurnam Singh, who has guided his training for over 25 years. A resident of New Jersey, USA, he has performed and taught Gurmat Sangeet to students around the world for more than 14 years. His passionate desire to share his love of Gurmat Sangeet with the world can be heard in his own performances and those of his Hemkunt Kirtan Competition students who have won countless gold medals under his mentorship and management.
- Biba Navpreet Kaur – Canadian-born, she took up residence in California after she married. She is strongly and passionately devoted to kirtan, and “spends several weeks to study each shabad”. She describes the process as “going ever deeper into levels of meaning and interpretation, like peeling away the layers of an onion, learning about Guru Nanak's philosophy, one shabad at a time.” The level of commitment to understanding a shabad can take several attempts to relate to it, therefore it can take time to grasp the essence of the Shabad.” She strongly believes, “It is important to give credit where credit is due”. Her personal mission, and indeed that of GAAVANI, is to “inspire everyone to take up kirtan yourself.”
Sikhnet also interviewed, GAAVANI founding members, kirtaniyas, and contributing members asking two primary questions.
Sikhnet: What motivated your involvement with GAAVANI? What is your perspective on the important role of female vocalists singing Gurbani?
Founding Member Dr. Gurnam Singh: The significant place of women in Sikh philosophy and role of Sikh women in the historical development in Sikhi always attracts me to highlight the achievements of our females in Sikh Music. In comparison to other world music traditions, Sikh female singers and musicians hold a pious, secure, and honorable position in Sikh society. However, their potential and participation need to be supported in our Sikh circles. It’s my strong conviction that in our social structure as we head into future generations, a female can effectively transmit Sikh aesthetics through the spiritual melody of Gurbani.
Being a humble propagator of Gurmat Sangeet, we always tried to increase the participation of female kirtaniyas in comparison to other professional male kirtaniyas. In 2017, we organized one Gurmat Sangeet Utsav at Punjabi University Patiala. A good number of promising female kirtaniyas performed so well, which motivated me to continue this effort of independent Gurmat Sangeet Kirtan Darbars at a Global level.
With the help of Sikh institutions, Gurdwaras, and a blessed soul Navpreet ji, from the last few years, we have been able to connect with all promising female kirtaniyas. I appreciate the efforts of Navpreet Kaur who is a torchbearer of Gaavani.
It’s a matter of pride that at a global level all female kirtaniyas are performing so well. Along with their many responsibilities, they are all doing sadhna and Sangeet. A unique style of Kaur’s Kirtan is emerging day by day. Hopefully with blessings of Waheguru, GAAVANI will serve our next generations with the sacred melody of Gurmat Sangeet.
Lead Kirtaniya Biba Guneet Kaur - Fremont 2022 & Dallas 2024: What motivated me to get involved with GAAVANI is the deep appreciation for the spiritual significance of Gurbani through kirtan. GAAVANI creates an inspiring environment and presents an opportunity for Sikh women to learn Gurmat sangeet and participate in more kirtan darbars. As role models, female Kirtaniye inspire others to explore and engage with Gurbani kirtan.
Lead Kirtaniya & Co-Manager Biba Soni Kaur Singh - Fremont 2022: Firstly I just wanted to remember a significant female Kirtaniya and someone whom I've had the utmost pleasure of listening to throughout my life, Bibi Amarjit Kaur ji.
As a Kirtaniya and music teacher, I have had the chance to accompany and listen to many varying jathhe. This time, I would have the opportunity to uplift our female Sangat, by recognizing Sikh women of the past, by collaborating with those in the present, to encourage women of the future to choose kirtan as a lifestyle. And what a joy it was to listen to my sisters Biba Guneet Kaur and Biba Simrit Kaur, along with 11 other Bay Area jathhe!! Truly, it felt like a kirtan reunion. A unique, and yet an obvious, and often times, overlooked perspective to Guru's feminine Voice: GAAVANI is a sisterhood that offers Sikh women Kirtaniya the opportunity to evoke the power of Gurbani in their own way. Because women in my family passed down Kirtan, Bandishaan, Tanti Saaz, and Kathha, traditions from generations - I am now able to share this with my own children. For me, the best part of Kirtan is when I hear Sangat singing along. And because of this unique program, I got the opportunity to hear GAAVANI voices accompany me on and off stage.
Lead Kirtaniya Biba Amrita Kaur Bains - Dallas 2024: “I will answer in reverse order, as my response to the second question provides context for the first. Starting with the second question, I firmly believe that female vocalists hold a vital place in Gurmat Sangeet. Their inclusion not only enriches the spiritual and cultural life of the Sikh community but also embodies the Sikh principle of gender equality. By welcoming female vocalists in the singing of Gurbani, we honor Guru Nanak Ji’s teachings, which emphasize that spiritual devotion and musical expression transcend gender.
Regrettably, despite Guru Nanak Ji's teachings of equality, some Gurdwaras still do not allow female kirtaniyas. This exclusion is a stark contradiction to Sikh values and overlooks the profound impact that female voices can have on the spiritual experience of the congregation. Allowing women to lead kirtan is a testament to our commitment to gender equality, demonstrating that the divine message of Gurbani is not confined by the gender of the singer.
Women play a central role in families, particularly in raising children. My personal experience is a reflection of this truth; my mother introduced me to Gurbani at an early age. Her dedication to sharing the hymns and teachings of Sikhism deeply influenced my spiritual journey. This early connection to Gurbani, facilitated by a female voice, underscores the powerful role women play in transmitting faith and values to the next generation.
Recognizing the crucial role of women in families, I have dedicated myself to teaching kirtan to female youth. My hope is that when these young girls eventually have their own families, they will share the spiritual richness of Gurbani with their children. By empowering women to become proficient in kirtan, we preserve the musical heritage of Sikhism and ensure that future generations remain connected to their faith through the voices of their mothers and grandmothers.
Female vocalists bring unique tonal qualities and emotional depth to Gurbani, offering new and profound ways for listeners to connect with the sacred texts. Their contributions diversify the musical interpretations of Gurmat Sangeet, enhancing the spiritual experience for all. Women’s distinct voices add richness and emotional resonance to the hymns, making worship more inclusive and fulfilling.
Furthermore, female kirtaniyas serve as inspiring role models for young girls, showing that their voices matter and that they too can contribute meaningfully to their faith and culture. This representation is essential in inspiring future generations of female musicians and spiritual leaders, fostering pride and belonging within the Sikh community.
Against this backdrop, I would like to answer your first question — What motivated me to join GAAVANI? The answer is straightforward: GAAVANI is the perfect platform to promote the Sikh values of equality and inclusivity that I discuss above. Navpreet Bhanji, one of GAAVANI’s key founders, is a visionary who recognized early on the need for female voices in our community. When I learned that GAAVANI was coming to Texas, I eagerly seized the opportunity to support a platform that aligns so closely with my values and aspirations.”
Contributor Biba Lovleen Aulakh - Dallas 2024: As a Sikh artist, GAAVANI gave me a unique platform to explore the essence of Gurbani through a powerful combination of music and visual arts. It’s been a blessing to collaborate with the wonderfully talented women Kirtaniyas and Sikh artists of GAAVANI. I am very grateful to Navpreet and GAAVANI team for including me in this trailblazing venture under the vision and guidance of Doctor Sahib ji.
Contributor Biba Jessi Kaur - Fremont 2022 & Dallas 2024: Vichar is a significant component of Gaavani. Vichar (reflection, and contemplation upon the Shabad Guru), enables us to deep dive into its essence. It creates the space for Bani to speak to us in a personal and powerful manner that awakens us. That turns on the wellspring of devotion that lies latent within us. That ultimately is transformational.
No matter how deep and exquisite our response to the wisdom coded in the Shabad, it will be limited by our personal experience and finite understanding. The goal of engaging in Vichar is to encourage the Sangat to start on their personal journey of introspection and reflection on Gurbani. To experience it in their core.
I feel blessed to be a part of this initiative. Gurbani tugs at my heartstrings and makes me tearful and joyful and fills me with Virag and Anand. It’s an honor and a privilege to share on the GAAVANI platform - how Gurbani reveals itself to a devotional heart and makes every cell in the body resound with wonder.
Contributor Biba Rania Harnain Kaur: Seeing kirtanees, and that two women who were kirtanees, at the caliber of Biba Guneet Kaur and Biba Simrit Kaur was rare for me growing up. While the Seattle-area has very much evolved in the past decade or so, learning and listening to live raag kirtan, even now, is rare. Therefore, growing up, my real exposure to raag kirtan was by cassette, CD, or streaming. I learned kirtan, and eventually raag kirtan around the same time. Eventually, as I got to know kirtaniyas, I became a fan of the Gurmat Gian Group, the late Biba Amarjit Kaur, Biba Guneet Kaur, and Biba Simrat Kaur, so it was a no-brainer that when the first GAAVANI in Fremont was announced and happened, I tuned in. I love the mission that GAAVANI stands for and believe that by amplifying that mission and making it accessible, maybe young women will be motivated to learn kirtan in raag and eventually join us on the GAAVANI stage. That's why I joined, so that future generations of women could know this exists and there is a world where female kirtanees in raag are accessible. (You could say I'm simultaneously involved for my inner child, and my own future generations.)
I think as a collective, when we think of kirtanees, we automatically think about men, because they're the only ones allowed to do kirtan at Harimandir Sahib, and they make up the majority of the ragis that do kirtan in our Gurdwaras. We forget that female vocalists were also allowed and celebrated at Harimandir Sahib at one point, though that part of our Sikh history is rarely talked about.
While Gurbani is written for the collective, there are times in the bani where Guru Saab uses female tense to describe the relationship between a person and Waheguru, and we have Gurbani lines that empower women. Raags help dictate emotion, intention, and meaning (among other things). I think by listening to diverse voices doing Kirtan in general, we can understand Gurbani better. I believe female vocalists can provide a different interpretation, a different intention and a different meaning by singing Gurbani, even if they're doing so subconsciously, not realizing the impact.
I hope our reality changes on a global scale, that includes seeing female kirtanees at Harmandir Sahib again in our lifetimes, and I believe one small step is by having Gaavani and consciously exposing our sangat to female vocalists singing Gurbani.
GAAVANI Events Celebrating the Female Voice in Gurbani Kirtan
GAAVANI events profile both professional female kirtanees and local talent from the area where the event is held. All Shabads are performed in the Raag in which they are written. Between kirtaniya’s, Shabad Vichar in both English and Punjabi is shared with the audience to familiarize listeners with the relatable meanings of the Shabads presented. Male instrumentalists may accompany the female singers on stage.
Sikhnet: Please explain the importance of holding GAAVANI programs and events profiling female vocalists.
Navpreet Kaur: GAAVANI celebrates the empowering voice of women through their musical journey in Kirtan. Guru Sahib frequently conveys messages through the female spirit, and hearing these shabads sung and expressed in the female voice helps to revel in the Divine message, revealing profound emotions and enriching dimensions. The female voice, when infused with the radiance of the Shabad, guides us towards intuitive explorations of Ik Onkar and creates a sacred space for divine connection. Music is an experiential, emotional and universal gateway and GuruJi urges us to sing the praises of the Divine to uplift our minds and guide us towards Chardi Kala.
Our mission is to inspire Sangat, to encourage Kirtan as a contemporary choice for a Sikh way of life and to make this spiritual journey accessible to all - promoting inclusion, unity, and empowerment through the transformative impact of Kirtan - sacred music woven with divine wisdom.
Our annual program serves as a platform for both local talents and world renowned female Kirtaniyas to share their unwavering devotion to Kirtan, inspiring Sikh children and adults across the globe to experience the gift of Guru Shabad and Sangat, as well as engage in their personal Kirtan practice, nurturing a lifelong relationship with Guru Ji "one shabad at a time.
Sikhnet: What does it take to put on an event?
Navpreet Kaur: GAAVANI profiles singers, but the shabad leads, and Gurbani presents the shabad. Arranging an event includes creating the vision, networking to get everyone together, coordinating fundraising, and organizing to make things happen behind the scenes. A GAAVANI event has a standard formula. All Singers are female. Three globally renowned professional female kirtanees are the main singers. They are joined on stage by local female kirtan students or enthusiasts, with a strong devotion and dedication to kirtan practice and knowledge of Raag. Students from the local area are welcomed with recommendations from their teachers. Organizing programs involves coordinating everyone, arranging flights and accommodations, advertising, and local fundraising. Costs for these productions can be between $15,000.00 to 20,000.00 which has not been a problem.
Visual Art to Accompany Vocal Audio Art
This process of getting to know a shabad within the GAAVANI perspective extends to visual interpretation. The team meets with artists to discuss the deeper meaning of a shabad and commission visual art to accompany vocal art. Gun Gaavai, the virtue of singing, is interpreted through a visual medium by various artists rendering Shabad to meet not only the ear, but also the eye. The resulting artwork appears on the website along with the Gurbani it represents, which may be displayed during GAAVANI Kirtan events.
Former Events
California 2022 – Biba Guneet Kaur, Biba Simrit Kaur, Biba Soni Kaur, Biba Rasleen Kaur, Biba Navneet Kaur, Biba Manpreet Kaur, and others, with Jessi Kaur offering insights while doing vichar.
Texas 2024 – Dr. Amrita Kaur, Biba Guneet Kaur, Biba Simrit Kaur, Biba Nehmat Kaur, Biba Navpreet Kaur, Biba Jasmeh Kaur, Biba Sukhbir, Biba Divjot Kaur, Biba Tavleen Kaur, Houston Youth Jatha, and Dallas Youth Jatha.
What's Next for GAAVANI?
GAAVANI has held performances in California, and Texas. What's up next?
GAAVANI will be presenting an event in New Jersey in the fall of 2024:
October 5, 2024 at Guru Nanak Mission, 138 Bauer Drive Oakland, NJ 07436
October 6, 2024 at Sri Guru Singh Sahiba Gurdwara Glenrock, 541 Prospect St Glen Rock, NJ 07452
The real answer to “What’s next for GAAVANI?” is the continuing education of female students in 31 Raags to prepare future teachers for the enjoyment and preservation of Gurmat Sangeet. One day in the not-to-distant future, 31 Raag Darbar shall be performed solely by GAAVANI female vocalists at gurdwaras across the world.
