Akhand Patth

Continuous recitation Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Akhand Patth

Akhand Patth Sahib is the continuous and uninterrupted recitation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from beginning to end within 48 hours.

The advantages of doing Akhand Patth can be spiritual, cultural, and social. Some of the benefits include:

  1. Spiritual upliftment: It provides a spiritual experience and helps to connect with the Guru.

  2. Cultural preservation: It helps preserve the Sikh cultural and religious heritage.

  3. Social bonding: It brings the community together and promotes social unity and harmony.

  4. Meditation: The continuous recitation can be meditative and help to focus the mind.

  5. Education: It provides an opportunity to learn about the Sikh religion and its teachings.

What is an Akhand Patth

Akhand Patth is the continuous and uninterrupted recitation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from beginning to end within 48 hours

When did Akhand Patth start

In 1742, when Sikhs were in the jungles of Punjab, one Sikh woman warrior named Bibi Sundari, requested just before she died (due to the wounds inflicted in battle) to have an Akhand Patth arranged for her.

ref: wikipedia.org

How many people are required for Akhand Patth

Originally there were 25 persons required to complete one Akhand Patth.

The chosen people do the Seva in rotation to avoid tiredness because tiredness can cause mistakes.

5 Persons for Akhand Patth Seva

5 Persons for Japji Sahib Patth Seva

5 Persons for Chor Seva

5 Persons for Toof/Jote Seva

5 Persons for Guard Seva

When do you do Akhand Patth

Akhand Patth is normally done to honor a special occassion, such as Birth, Anand Karaj, new home, blessings, Gurpurb, anniversary, birthday, Sarbat da Bhalla, Death, etc.

Where do you do Akhand Patth

Akhand Patth normally takes place inside the Gurdwara Sahib, but, it can take place anywhere as long as the Gurdwara Procol is strictly adhered to.

Arambh Akhand Patth

Arambh in Punjabi means beginning or start. In this case the start of the Akhand Patth. Arambh of any Patth starts with the Ardas.

Mudh Akhand Patth

Mudh in Punjabi means midway or half way. In this case the first half of the Akhand Patth has taken place.

During this time the Mudh ki Ardas takes place to ask for forgiveness for all the mistakes that have taken place since the Arambh of the Akhand Patth and asking for strength and ability to carry on with the remainder of the Akhand Patth.

During Akhand Patth

During an Akhand Patth it is very important to do Sangat Seva and Listen to Gurbani. A person may have to juggle the priorities at different times of the day. One of the things to remember is that there should always be AT LEAST ONE member of Sangat listening to the Patth.

Bhog Akhand Patth

Bhog (Samapti) of Akhand Patth is reciting the concluding part of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Amendments

Contact us for suggestion of  amendments to be made

Checklist for Akhand Patth

When starting an Akhand Patth (the continuous, uninterrupted reading of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib over approximately 48 hours), there are several items and preparations required to ensure everything runs smoothly. These are primarily for the sanctity, respect, and organization of the recitation. Here’s a list of essential items and preparations:

1. Choose the date:

  • Choose a suitable date and time for the Akhand Patth and inform the Gurdwara Sahib or Granthi Singh in advance.
  • Ensure that the venue is clean and tidy before the Akhand Patth begins.
  • Inform family and friends about the Akhand Patth and invite them to participate in the reciting of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

2. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji:

  • The primary and most important requirement is Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (the sacred scripture of Sikhi).
  • It is customary to have a special room or area designated for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
  • Ensure it is properly prepared and placed on a clean and elevated platform, called a Palki Sahib or Takht Sahib.

3. Rumala Sahib:

  • A set of clean and beautiful Rumala Sahib (decorative cloth coverings) to drape over Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
  • These coverings should be changed periodically during the Patth, especially at the start and end.

4. Chaur Sahib:

  • The Chaur Sahib is a ceremonial fan waved over Guru Granth Sahib Ji as a sign of respect. This should be placed nearby for use during the Patth.

5. Karah Parshad:

  • Karah Parshad should be ready to be served before the Ardas to commence the Akhand Patth

6. Palki Sahib and Manji Sahib:

  • The Palki Sahib (a throne-like structure) and Manji Sahib (a platform or stand) is where Guru Granth Sahib Ji is respectfully placed.

7. Tabla and Harmonium (optional):

  • If there will be Kirtan (hymn singing), a harmonium and tabla are commonly used for musical accompaniment.

8. Gutka Sahib or Pothi Sahib (Optional):

  • Some people use Gutka Sahib or Pothi Sahib (smaller books with selected prayers from Guru Granth Sahib Ji) for assisting the reader if needed.

9. Lighting:

  • Appropriate lighting for the Patthi and surroundings, ensuring the environment is conducive for continuous reading.
  • Make sure there is enough Emergency lighting for the Patthi in case of power failure

10. Water or Tea for the Patthi:

  • It’s helpful to have water or light refreshments for the Patthi, especially since the Patth continues for hours.

11. Volunteer Sevadars (Volunteers):

  • Sevadars are necessary to help with the rotation of Patthis, serving refreshments, and maintaining the atmosphere of sanctity.
  • Sevadars can also manage the logistics, such as ensuring the Patth continues smoothly and there is no interruption.
  • Organize Sevadars to perform the duties such as cleaning, cooking, serving food, managing the Sangat, and providing security as well.

12. Fresh Flowers or Garland (optional):

  • Some places use fresh flowers or garlands to decorate the area around Guru Granth Sahib Ji as a sign of reverence.

13. Langar (Community Kitchen):

  • Arrangements for Langar (community meal) should be made to be served throughout the Akhand Patth., as it is customary to serve food to the congregation, especially at the conclusion of the Akhand Patth.

14. Carpet and Cushions:

  • A clean carpet or white sheet (called Chaadar) is spread on the floor where the congregation sits. Cushions can be placed for comfort, especially for sevadars or the patthi.

15. Sound System (optional):

  • A sound system or microphones, especially for larger congregations, to ensure the Patth can be heard by everyone.

16. Incense or Fragrance (optional):

  • Some Gurdwaras or families use incense or fragrance in the room where the Akhand Patth is being conducted to create a serene atmosphere.

17. Clock or Timer (for managing reader shifts):

  • Since the Akhand Patth runs continuously for 48 hours, it’s important to have a schedule or timer to manage the shifts of the Patthis (reciters).

18. Clean and Respectful Attire for Participants:

  • Everyone participating in or attending the Akhand Paath should wear clean and respectful attire, as a sign of reverence.

19. Ardas:

  • Remember to start the Akhand Patth with an Ardas (prayer) and end with a final Ardas and distribution of prashad and Langar.

20. Respect and Dignity:

  • Ensure that the Akhand Patth is conducted with utmost respect, dignity, devotion, and following the Sikh code of conduct and etiquettes.