Sikh Funeral Songs
About Sikh Funeral Songs
Sikh funeral songs are drawn from the Guru Granth Sahib — Sikhism’s holy scripture and living Guru — and performed as kirtan (devotional singing) accompanied by harmonium and tabla. The Sikh approach to death is one of acceptance and faith: Guru Nanak taught that death is not to be feared but understood as the soul’s return to the Creator (Waheguru). This philosophy shapes the music — Sikh funeral songs express peaceful surrender, divine love, and the impermanence of worldly life rather than grief or sorrow. The Sukhmani Sahib (Psalm of Peace), composed by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, is the most commonly recited composition at Sikh funerals, offering comfort through its meditative verses on God’s nature and the soul’s journey. During the funeral procession to the cremation ground, the congregation recites "Waheguru" and sings shabads about the transient nature of life. At the Bhog ceremony (marking the end of the Akhand Path — a continuous 48-hour reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), extended kirtan sessions celebrate the deceased’s spiritual journey. Sikh funeral music is communal by nature: the sangat (congregation) participates in singing, creating a collective experience of devotion and comfort. Ragis (professional kirtan singers) may be invited for more elaborate musical arrangements, performing shabads in the classical raags specified in the Guru Granth Sahib.
Top Sikh Funeral Songs
Anand Sahib
Traditional Sikh Scripture
In Sikhism, death is a joyful reunion with Waheguru. This hymn celebrates that return.
Sukhmani Sahib
Traditional Sikh Scripture
The 24 sections guide the soul and the bereaved toward inner peace through devotion.
Waheguru Simran
Traditional Sikh Meditation
The continuous chanting creates a vibration of peace that surrounds mourners with the divine name.
Tips for Choosing Sikh Funeral Songs
Tip 1. Understand the Antam Sanskaar — The Sikh funeral ceremony includes Ardas (prayer), kirtan (devotional singing), reading from the Guru Granth Sahib, and cremation. Music is integral throughout.
Tip 2. Shabads are central — Shabads (hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib) are the core musical form at Sikh funerals. They are sung in kirtan style with harmonium and tabla accompaniment.
Tip 3. Sukhmani Sahib is key — The Sukhmani Sahib (Psalm of Peace) by Guru Arjan Dev Ji is commonly recited or sung at Sikh funerals and the subsequent prayer meetings (Bhog ceremony).
Tip 4. Respect the Bhog ceremony — After cremation, a complete reading of the Guru Granth Sahib (Akhand Path) over 48 hours concludes with the Bhog ceremony, featuring kirtan and Ardas.
Tip 5. Include Waheguru meditation — "Waheguru" (Wonderful Lord) chanting creates a meditative atmosphere and is appropriate throughout the mourning period.
Tip 6. Consult the Granthi — The Granthi (Sikh priest) or the family's Gurdwara committee will guide appropriate shabads and kirtan arrangements for the funeral service.
Complete List of Sikh Funeral Songs
Anand Sahib
Traditional Sikh Scripture
The 'Song of Bliss' from Sikh scripture, expressing the soul's joy at union with the Divine.
Why it's meaningful: In Sikhism, death is a joyful reunion with Waheguru. This hymn celebrates that return.
Best moment: During the Antam Sanskaar (funeral ceremony). The joyful message reframes death.
Sukhmani Sahib
Traditional Sikh Scripture
The 'Psalm of Peace' by Guru Arjan Dev—a meditation on finding peace through remembrance of God.
Why it's meaningful: The 24 sections guide the soul and the bereaved toward inner peace through devotion.
Best moment: During prayer or meditation. The rhythmic recitation is deeply calming.
Waheguru Simran
Traditional Sikh Meditation
The repetitive chanting of 'Waheguru' (Wonderful Lord)—the fundamental Sikh meditation.
Why it's meaningful: The continuous chanting creates a vibration of peace that surrounds mourners with the divine name.
Best moment: Throughout the ceremony or as background. The rhythmic chanting is deeply meditative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What music is played at a Sikh funeral?
Sikh funeral music consists of shabads (hymns) from the Guru Granth Sahib, sung in kirtan style with harmonium and tabla. Key compositions include the Sukhmani Sahib, Japji Sahib (morning prayer, often recited at the ceremony), and shabads addressing death and the soul's journey. "Waheguru" chanting provides meditative continuity. The specific shabads are chosen by the family in consultation with the Granthi, often reflecting the deceased's favourite compositions.
What is the Sikh funeral ceremony called?
The Sikh funeral ceremony is called Antam Sanskaar (final rite). It includes: washing and dressing the body (in the five articles of Sikh faith for baptised Sikhs), Ardas (communal prayer), kirtan (devotional singing), the funeral procession with "Waheguru" chanting, cremation (the eldest son or close relative lights the pyre), and the subsequent Bhog ceremony after the Akhand Path (continuous 48-hour scripture reading). The entire process emphasises spiritual acceptance rather than mourning.
Can secular music be played at a Sikh funeral?
Traditional Sikh funeral practice focuses exclusively on Gurbani (scripture-based music). However, at the reception or gathering after the formal ceremony, some families — particularly in Western diaspora communities — may play music that the deceased loved. This is a personal family decision. The Gurdwara ceremony itself is strictly Gurbani-based. Many families find that Sikh funeral kirtan, with its beauty and depth, provides all the musical comfort needed without secular additions.
How long is a Sikh funeral?
The cremation ceremony itself takes 1-2 hours, including Ardas, kirtan, and the cremation. However, the full Sikh funeral process extends over several days: the Akhand Path (continuous scripture reading) runs for 48 hours, concluding with the Bhog ceremony that includes extended kirtan. Some families hold a Sahaj Path (slower reading) over 7-10 days. The mourning period typically lasts 10-13 days, with daily prayers and kirtan at the family home or Gurdwara.