Nitnem Banis

What is Nitnem

Nitnem is a set of daily prayers and hymns that are an integral aspect of Sikh spiritual practice. The term is derived from two Punjabi words: “Nit,” meaning daily, and “Nem,” meaning routine or practice. Nitnem is a defined series of compositions from the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s holy scripture, that are read or sung in a certain order at designated times throughout the day. The goal of the banis is to assist Sikhs maintain a constant connection to the divine, seek spiritual guidance, and instill discipline in their daily life. These prayers are often said in Gurmukhi script, which is used to write Punjabi in the Sikh holy writings. The daily practice begins with the recitation of the Japji Sahib, penned by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and used as a morning prayer. This is followed by compositions by many Sikh Gurus, including Jaap Sahib, Tav-Prasad Savaiye, Chaupai Sahib, and Anand Sahib. Rehras Sahib, a work by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Arjan Dev Ji, is recited in the evening, and Kirtan Sohila is performed before bedtime. For Sikhs, Nitnem is more than just a ritual; it is a way of spiritual progress and connection to the Gurus’ teachings. It promotes an attitude of commitment, humility, and service, matching one’s everyday actions with the ethical and moral values given in Sikh literature. Finally, Nitnem is a pillar of Sikh spirituality, offering a disciplined approach to incorporating spiritual practice into daily life.

These are the Nitnem Banis grouped according to their respective times for recitation:

Morning Banis

Evening Banis

Night Banis

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