We curate our spaces carefully, from lighting to scent, yet sound is often left until last. The right tune can shift the atmosphere of a room, enliven conversation, and subtly guide how we feel within it. When tied to spiritual practice, sound reaches beyond the ears, offering focus, grounding, and a sense of belonging. Engaging with it intentionally turns sound from something we consume into something we experience.
To explore this notion in depth, Masala engaged with Bhai Harinder Singh Ji of Nirvair Khalsa Jatha on the impact of kirtan ahead of his upcoming "Gurmat Parchar" Tour in Thailand, examining the role of sacred sound in spiritual life and how devotional focus can create space for inner steadiness.
Can you tell us about Nirvair Khalsa Jatha and the work the group does within the Sikh community?
There’s no formal “work” in the traditional organisational sense. What we do comes from a place of love and devotion to kirtan and serving humanity through Gurbani. Nirvair Khalsa Jatha is simply a collective blessed by Guru Sahib to share Gurbani and help people connect with themselves and with the Supreme, Universal Waheguru.
As a Jatha, our role is to travel and spread awareness of Gurbani in both English and Punjabi, creating bridges for the next generation to understand and experience its depth. In the fast pace of modern life, we hope to offer people a moment to pause, sit in divan, reflect, and reconnect with the true purpose of life through the guidance of Gurbani.
What inspired you to start performing kirtan and dedicate yourself to this spiritual path?
From a very young age, I felt a natural pull toward Sikhi, even though I didn’t grow up in a very religious household. I vividly remember being just eight years old and wanting to take Amrit at the Gurdwara. That inner calling slowly grew stronger, and over time, I even encouraged my parents to walk this path with me.
A turning point came when I was 15. It was 2005, and my second trip to India. On that trip, I saw something that stayed with me: people who had so little materially, yet carried such genuine joy and peace. It made me question my own life in the UK, where I had access to everything—game consoles, clothes, gadgets, you name it, but still most don’t feel truly content or appreciative. That contrast revealed something profound: peace doesn’t come from the outside; it comes from within. And that realisation inspired me to understand Gurbani more deeply, to feel that inner peace I saw in others, and ultimately to dedicate myself to kirtan and this spiritual path.
Could you walk us through your composition & production process?
When it comes to composing our tracks, we work closely with our music producer. We usually begin by sharing a basic composition or idea, and from there, the producer builds a consistent musical arrangement. Once the music is ready, it is sent back to me so I can record my vocals in a way that matches the feel of the track. After the initial mix, there are times when I re-record certain parts to make sure everything aligns perfectly with the emotion and message of the shabad (word, sound, or voice).
For divans, the process is more spiritual and intuitive. If it is an event, we choose the shabads based on themes that are deeply needed in today’s world, especially mental health and depression. Although these topics are being talked about more now, Gurbani has addressed them since the time of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Gurbani teaches us how to live in the present moment, how to find peace within ourselves, and how to navigate the challenges of life.
As a group, we sit together and reflect on the issues the sangat is facing today. Based on that, we practise the shabads that resonate with those themes, and the katha (sermon) naturally flows from the message within the Gurbani. Our hope is always to create a space where people feel supported, understood, and connected through the depth of Gurbani.
Growing up in the UK, your kirtan today touches multiple religious communities worldwide. How has your upbringing influenced your perspective and artistry?
Growing up in the UK and going through school and college here gave me a genuine understanding of the Western world and the mindset of young people raised in it. You can hear that influence in our recent kirtan as well. I see it as a blessing to be born in a place where we can understand both cultures and bridge the gap between them. As someone who is also part of this younger generation, I’ve faced many of the same challenges that our youth are experiencing today, so I can relate to their struggles on a personal level.
As the katha is mostly in English, you don’t have to be Sikh to connect with it. The message is universal, and it speaks to anyone who is searching for peace, purpose, or a sense of belonging. The connection is to the One, and that is something every community can resonate with. Alongside kirtan, we also hold meditation sessions and sound therapy, and we have more classes coming up that are open to people from all backgrounds.
Just recently, we received a call from PTC Network sharing that many young listeners have been using our Punjabi–English translations to learn and improve their English. Hearing that truly humbled us. It reminds us that this path is about helping people grow, connect, and find guidance in whatever way they nee
You’ve collaborated with mainstream artists like B Praak, Juggy D, Dr. Zeus, Miss Pooja, Guru Randhawa etc. How did these collaborations come about, and what has the reception been like? Your track, “Sukh Tera Dita Laeeai” is being played worldwide. How did that come about?
Our collaborations with artists like Juggy D, Dr. Zeus, and B Praak really began because of one track: “Sukh Tera Dita Laeeai”. That shabad opened doors we never expected. It became the first Western-style shabad in our community and, with Guru’s kirpa, it received an overwhelming response. Today, it has over 58 million views, and many well-known artists, including Miss Pooja, B Praak, and Rajvir Jawanda, have shared that even their children listen to it; hearing that has been incredibly humbling.
What makes the story even more beautiful is how the track came to be. It was produced by a British musician who knew nothing about Gurbani or kirtan. He usually works with major artists in hip-hop and R&B, but he created this composition, and we sang the shabad without any idea of the impact it would have. The response has been far beyond the Sikh community. We’ve received messages from Hindu, Muslim, and many other communities saying the shabad helped them connect spiritually. It has been a blessing to see Gurbani reach hearts worldwide, and these collaborations are truly the result of the kirpa that began with that one shabad.
How do you feel the Sikh identity in the UK differs from that in Southeast Asia, if at all?
There are definitely both similarities and differences, but so much of it comes down to a person’s individual outlook. In the UK and in Southeast Asia, I’ve met people who are deeply committed to the Sikh way of life, each expressing their faith in their own unique context. Environments may differ, cultures may differ, but the essence of Sikhi remains the same everywhere.
For us, the focus is never on comparing or judging. Our role is simply to help people connect with the One, wherever they are and however they identify. Sikhi is about connection, not comparison, and we try to carry that spirit with us wherever we go.
What message or inspiration do you hope to bring to the Thai-Sikh community?
For the Thai-Sikh community, the message I hope to share is simple: true connection begins with understanding Gurbani. Without learning or at least trying to understand Gurbani, it becomes difficult to feel that deeper spiritual bond. Gurbani teaches us to live in the present moment. Life today is hectic and chaotic, and we are constantly running against the clock. Gurbani gently reminds us that if we want inner happiness, we have to pause, step out of the rat race, and come back to the present.
Gratitude is also essential. Remembering to be thankful at every stage of life, focusing on the positive rather than the negative, can transform our outlook completely.
If reading Japji Sahib feels difficult right now, we are blessed to have technology that allows us to listen to it every day. If we call ourselves Sikhs of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, then listening to his bani each morning is a beautiful first step. It is a way of offering our respect, expressing our gratitude, and opening our hearts to the wisdom that Gurbani holds. Even one small step in his direction can bring immense peace and clarity.
Find Bhai Harinder Singh Ji of Nirvair Khalsa Jatha on Instagram @nirvairkhalsajathaukofffficial for further insights into his work, reflections, and upcoming Gurmat Parchar Tour.