The objective of the Chardi Kalaa divaan is to bring the beautiful, divine message of the Gurus to a wider audience, particularly young Sikhs and others here in America who do not know Punjabi well enough to fully understand and enjoy the normal services in Gurdwaras. We Sikhs are truly and uniquely blessed. In Gurbaani, we have received the Word of God in its most authentic form. In the Guru’s own words, "This Baani emanated from the Primal Lord Himself. It removes all pain and anxiety in the heart". The Guru makes it very clear that the message of Gurbani is a universal message for all humanity, not just for people of one religion or language.

The poetry of Gurbani, with its deep mystical messages, is difficult to fully capture in any translation. We hope that many of attendees of this divaan will get a deeper appreciation of Gurbaani, and be inspired to take the next step to learn the language and study Gurbaani in its original form to fully appreciate the depth and the nuances of its divinely inspired message. We would like to make it clear that this program is intended to complement, not replace, regular services at the Gurdwaras and elsewhere. In fact we believe it will increase the interest and appreciation of Gurbani among all. We are fully committed to the sanctity of the Guru Granth Sahib, in its original form, our eternal Guru as decreed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and to the spirit of the Rehat Maryada.

  Outline of the program

The following is an outline of the service as we have been conducting it at the Chardi Kalaa Sikh Community Center. We would like to share our experience and some of the materials that we have developed for this service. We would also love to hear from others involved in similar programs.

1. Prakash of Guru Granth Sahib
2. Japji - a group of children recite the first 10 pauris and the ending Salok of Japji Sahib. Each pauri is first recited in original form, followed by an English translation.
3. Kirtan and Songs (typically 6 to 8) - these includes English renderings of shabads from Gurbani, as well as devotional songs inspired by the teachings of Sikhism.
4. Simran - The lights are dimmed, the sangat practices naam simran for a few minutes. One persons leads a chant of "Waheguru", followed by the sangat. This is followed by a short period of silent simran.
5. Optional events include a talk in English, poetry reading or songs by little children
6. Anand Sahib - first sung in original form, followed by recitation of an English translation by a group of children.
7. Tu thakur ... (in original form)
8. Ardaas - in English
9. Aagiaa bhaee akaa kee (in orginal form)
10. Hukam - read from the Guru Granth Sahib, followed by an explanation in English
11. Karaa Parshaad
12. Sukhaasan
13. Langar