Shabad

Shabads are devotional songs of the Sikhs sung in gurdwaras or religious occasions. They are ascribed to Sikh gurus and many Bhakti saint-poets. Shabad originated as a musical composition around the 17th century AD. Guru Nanak and his disciple Mardana are credited with the development and popularity of shabad. Guru Nanak traveled all over India along with his rabab-carrying companion Mardana, to spread the message of love. Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th guru of the Shikhs, compiled his teachings into the Adi Granth Sahib. Shabads are sung to the accompaniment of the harmonium, tabla and often the dholak and chimta. Today, three distinct styles exist in shabad singing. They are raga-based shabads, traditional shabads as mentioned in the Adi Granth and those based on lighter tunes. The Singh Bandhu are today the most eminent shabad singers. DV. Paluskar and Vinayak Rao Patvardhan also sang shabads.

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