Gurbani

Gurbani is the term used by Sikhs to refer to any compositions of the Gurus. Gurbani is composed of two words: 'Gur' meaning 'the Guru's' and 'bani' meaning 'word'. Extracts from Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji and Sri Dasam Granth ji are called Gutkas (small books) containing sections of Gurbani. Respecting Gurbani A Gutka is kept covered in a clean cloth. A person must wash their hands, feet and face, and cover his/her head before handling the Gutka. Gurbani should never be put on the floor or in a place which is lower than any furniture upon which a person may sit or lie. A Gutka should never be taken to any place where any of the four major sins ("bajjar kurehats) are/do take place: sexual relationships outside of marriage, consumption of tobacco products (or any other intoxicants including alcohol), cutting or removal of hair from the body or consumption of meat or eggs. Nitnem Banis The 5 Banis Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Tav-Parsad Savaiye, Benti Chaupai and Anand Sahib are recited daily by initiated Sikhs in the early morning (before 6am). Rehras Sahib is read in the evening (at sunset) and Kirtan Sohila before going to sleep at night.