Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
#shabad #sikhmusic #anantvirsingh #gurunanak
Experience the soul-stirring voice of Bhai Anantvir Singh performing the timeless shabad "Updesh Chau Varna Kau Sanjha" by Guru Arjan Dev Ji at Barbican Centre, London.
This profound shabad was presented as part of the historic "Guru Nanak's Message of Peace through Music" project, showcasing authentic Gurbani sangeet and traditional raag-based singing.
In this powerful live kirtan performance, Bhai Anantvir Singh ji delivers Guru Arjan Dev Ji's universal message of equality and unity through classical Indian vocal techniques. The shabad emphasizes that no caste, creed, religion, or social division separates humanity – the Guru's teachings transcend all boundaries and are meant for everyone.
*About Shabad Kirtan and Guru Arjan Dev Ji's Teachings*
Shabad kirtan is the devotional practice of singing hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal Guru and sacred scripture of Sikh dharam. The word "shabad" means divine word or hymn, and kirtan refers to the musical recitation that allows these spiritual verses to penetrate the heart and mind of listeners.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563-1606), the fifth Sikh Guru, composed this particular shabad emphasizing the core Sikh principle of universal brotherhood and equality. He compiled the Adi Granth (original Guru Granth Sahib) and included writings from Hindu and Muslim saints alongside Sikh Gurus, demonstrating that divine truth transcends religious boundaries.
The message "Updesh Chau Varna Kau Sanjha" (the teachings are shared among all four castes/communities) reflects Guru Arjan Dev Ji's revolutionary stance against the rigid caste system and religious divisions of his time. Through kirtan, these timeless teachings continue to inspire millions worldwide, promoting harmony, equality, and spiritual unity across all of humanity.
About the Project
Performance Date: 6 April 2025
Venue: Barbican Centre, London
This project explored how Guru Nanak’s timeless message of equality, compassion and spiritual awakening continues to resonate. Music was central to his mission—he travelled with Bhai Mardana, a Muslim rababi, using song to share spiritual wisdom beyond caste and creed. Darbar honoured this tradition by bringing musicians of diverse faiths onto one stage, spreading unity and peace.
Credits: -
Musicians
Aruna Sairam (carnatic vocals)
Zeeshan Ali (sufi vocals)
Bhai Anantvir Singh (kirtania)
Amrita Kaur (kirtania)
Momin Khan (sarangi)
Patri Satish Kumar (mridangam)
Giridhar Udupa (ghatam)
Surdarshan Chana (tabla & jori)
Gurdain Rayatt (tabla)
Beibei Wang (da ga drum)
Darbar Team:
Sandeep Virdee OBE (Artistic Director)
Simrat Lall (Darbar Festival Manager)
María Guardiola (Festivals and Events Manager)
Depesh Patel (Events Manager)
Jamie Craven (Head of Design)
Rahul Ravindran (Creative Video Editor)
Sana Ejaz (Marketing Executive)
Zahabiya Patharia (Marketing Executive)
Christoph Bracher (Head of Sound)
Filming Crew
Pritpal Sagoo (Digital Consultant)
Gurwinder Soor (Content Creator and Platform Manager)
Tom Grancia (Technical Production)
Carl Owen (Camera Operator)
Chris Connel (Camera Operator)
Anup Parmar (Camera Operator)
Nick Morchang (Camera Operator)
Technical Team
Phil Jones (Front of House Sound)
John Duckett (Sound Monitors)
Mark Gardner (Lighting Designer)
________________________________________________________________
Darbar believes in the power of Indian classical arts to stir and inspire. Since 2006, we have delivered live events, education, broadcasts and digital experiences, while supporting new talent from India and the UK.
© 2025 Darbar Arts Culture Heritage Trust. All Rights Reserved.
#shabad #sikhmusic #anantvirsingh #gurunanak
Experience the soul-stirring voice of Bhai Anantvir Singh performing the timeless shabad "Updesh Chau Varna Kau Sanjha" by Guru Arjan Dev Ji at Barbican Centre, London.
This profound shabad was presented as part of the historic "Guru Nanak's Message of Peace through Music" project, showcasing authentic Gurbani sangeet and traditional raag-based singing.
In this powerful live kirtan performance, Bhai Anantvir Singh ji delivers Guru Arjan Dev Ji's universal message of equality and unity through classical Indian vocal techniques. The shabad emphasizes that no caste, creed, religion, or social division separates humanity – the Guru's teachings transcend all boundaries and are meant for everyone.
*About Shabad Kirtan and Guru Arjan Dev Ji's Teachings*
Shabad kirtan is the devotional practice of singing hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal Guru and sacred scripture of Sikh dharam. The word "shabad" means divine word or hymn, and kirtan refers to the musical recitation that allows these spiritual verses to penetrate the heart and mind of listeners.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563-1606), the fifth Sikh Guru, composed this particular shabad emphasizing the core Sikh principle of universal brotherhood and equality. He compiled the Adi Granth (original Guru Granth Sahib) and included writings from Hindu and Muslim saints alongside Sikh Gurus, demonstrating that divine truth transcends religious boundaries.
The message "Updesh Chau Varna Kau Sanjha" (the teachings are shared among all four castes/communities) reflects Guru Arjan Dev Ji's revolutionary stance against the rigid caste system and religious divisions of his time. Through kirtan, these timeless teachings continue to inspire millions worldwide, promoting harmony, equality, and spiritual unity across all of humanity.
About the Project
Performance Date: 6 April 2025
Venue: Barbican Centre, London
This project explored how Guru Nanak’s timeless message of equality, compassion and spiritual awakening continues to resonate. Music was central to his mission—he travelled with Bhai Mardana, a Muslim rababi, using song to share spiritual wisdom beyond caste and creed. Darbar honoured this tradition by bringing musicians of diverse faiths onto one stage, spreading unity and peace.
Credits: -
Musicians
Aruna Sairam (carnatic vocals)
Zeeshan Ali (sufi vocals)
Bhai Anantvir Singh (kirtania)
Amrita Kaur (kirtania)
Momin Khan (sarangi)
Patri Satish Kumar (mridangam)
Giridhar Udupa (ghatam)
Surdarshan Chana (tabla & jori)
Gurdain Rayatt (tabla)
Beibei Wang (da ga drum)
Darbar Team:
Sandeep Virdee OBE (Artistic Director)
Simrat Lall (Darbar Festival Manager)
María Guardiola (Festivals and Events Manager)
Depesh Patel (Events Manager)
Jamie Craven (Head of Design)
Rahul Ravindran (Creative Video Editor)
Sana Ejaz (Marketing Executive)
Zahabiya Patharia (Marketing Executive)
Christoph Bracher (Head of Sound)
Filming Crew
Pritpal Sagoo (Digital Consultant)
Gurwinder Soor (Content Creator and Platform Manager)
Tom Grancia (Technical Production)
Carl Owen (Camera Operator)
Chris Connel (Camera Operator)
Anup Parmar (Camera Operator)
Nick Morchang (Camera Operator)
Technical Team
Phil Jones (Front of House Sound)
John Duckett (Sound Monitors)
Mark Gardner (Lighting Designer)
________________________________________________________________
Darbar believes in the power of Indian classical arts to stir and inspire. Since 2006, we have delivered live events, education, broadcasts and digital experiences, while supporting new talent from India and the UK.
© 2025 Darbar Arts Culture Heritage Trust. All Rights Reserved.
