Nād Music Institute (USA) and Bhai Vir Singh Chair (Punjabi University) are pleased to welcome you to the International Kirtan Conference on Hermeneutics of Divine Soundscapes: Decoding the Musical Signatures of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which will be held from October 22 to 24, 2024, at Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab.
The conference is being offered in a hybrid format, welcoming both in-person and online participants from around the world, making this a truly global event.
The free online Registration for the conference is open, you can register here
The conference will feature over 20 research presentations, 5 keynote speakers, and live Kirtan performances, creating a vibrant platform for spiritual exploration and academic dialogue.
This is a first of its kind conference which will bring together scholars, musicians, theologians, and practitioners from across the globe, united in a shared mission: to explore the deep relationship between spirituality and music as rooted in the sacred verses of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
We are extremely honored by the participation of world-renowned speakers such as Dr. Francesca Cassio (USA), Dr. Harjinder Singh Lallie (UK), Dr. Janice Protopapas (USA), Bhai Baldeep Singh (India), Ek Ong Kaar Kaur Michaud (USA), Sarbpreet Singh (USA), and Amardeep Singh (Singapore), who bring vast expertise in Sikh musicology, history, and sacred music traditions.
In the evenings, Kirtan will be performed by renowned Ragis with deep expertise in Gurbani Kirtan. The esteemed participants include Bhai Kultar Singh, Hazuri Ragi of Gurdwara Bangla Sahib and Sis Ganj Sahib; Bhai Gurmeet Singh Shant, Hazuri Ragi of Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar; Bhai Satninder Singh Bodal, an A-Grade vocalist with All India Radio; and Dr. Alankar Singh, Head of the Music and Gurmat Sangeet Departments at Punjabi University.
The excellent speakers & participants will aim to interpret the divine soundscapes embedded in Gurbani Kirtan traditions and delve into the musical signatures that convey profound spiritual messages.
Through paper presentations, discussions, and live performances, we aim to foster dialogue on the contemporary relevance of these divine soundscapes in the face of evolving religious thought and cultural dynamics.
These sessions will offer unique insights into how Gurbani Kirtan continues to influence both spiritual and normative practices, across different cultures and religious contexts.
Conference Director: Dr. Jaswinder Singh, Bhai Vir Singh Chair, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab
Conference Co-Director: Dr. Manjit Singh, Nad Music Institute, USA