Harjas: The Conservation of Divine Sikh Music
A Heritage Fund supported project led by Sangat Trust to preserve, repair and celebrate Sikh musical heritage.
Preservation of Sikh Music
We Are Thrilled to Announce
We are thrilled to announce that Harjas: The Conservation of Divine Sikh Music has been awarded by the Heritage Fund.
Harjas refers to the singing of divine praise or kirtan (devotional music practiced in the Sikh tradition). Sangat Trust is launching Harjas to safeguard and share the rich, unique heritage of divine Sikh music in the UK. This project addresses the risk that this tradition - rooted in oral traditions, sacred instruments, and community practice - is being lost due to skills shortages around instrument repair and the loss of knowledge and experience held within our elderly communities.
What the Project Will Do
This project upskills heritage enthusiasts through a practical training programme focused on Oral History and Sikh Instrument Repair.
The Oral History cohort will learn how to plan and conduct ethical, culturally sensitive interviews with Sikh elders, recording and preserving lived experiences of Sikh musical heritage in the UK. Participants will work directly with community members to capture, translate and transcribe oral histories.
A parallel Instrument Repair cohort will explore Sikh instrument history, design and repair, developing practical skills while deepening understanding of their cultural and spiritual significance.
The project will also host instrument repair diagnostic surgeries, inviting the wider community to have their sacred instruments assessed and revived. Learning from both cohorts will be shared through a public programme, enabling wider engagement with Sikh musical heritage.
What’s happening now
ORAL HISTORY - UNDERWAY
Our Oral History course is now halfway through. The cohort is developing the skills to capture and preserve the stories and experiences behind Sikh musical heritage.
INSTRUMENT REPAIR - STARTS 2 NOVEMBER 2026
Our 8-week Instrument Repair course launches on Monday 2 November 2026, exploring the history, design, care and repair of Sikh musical instruments.
instrument repair diagnostic surgeries - COMING SOON
We will also be holding instrument checking sessions, where community members can bring their instruments to be assessed and receive guidance on their condition and care. Dates and booking details will be announced.
Current Opportunities
We’re excited to share that new opportunities are now open. Please see the roles below and apply if they align with your skills and interests.
Help Preserve Sikh Musical Heritage - Become a Harjas Volunteer
Register your interest to join the Harjas Project and take part in specialist training in Sikh oral history or instrument restoration. This unique programme offers hands-on experience in preserving and celebrating Sikh musical heritage for future generations.
PROJECT ARCHIVE & INQUIRIES
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the Harjas heritage initiative, our research cohorts, instrument restoration clinics, and how you can take part.
Still have questions about Harjas?
Connect with our preservation team directly to inquire about archive access, instrument diagnostics, or partnership opportunities.
What is Harjas?
Harjas is a Heritage Fund supported project led by Sangat Trust to preserve, repair and celebrate Sikh musical heritage in the UK.
Who is leading and supporting the project?
Harjas is led by Sangat Trust and supported by the Heritage Fund.
Why is this heritage being preserved?
This tradition—rooted in oral traditions, sacred instruments, and community practice—is at risk of being lost due to skills shortages around instrument repair and the loss of knowledge and experience held within our elderly communities.
What will the Oral History cohort learn?
The Oral History cohort will learn how to plan and conduct ethical, culturally sensitive interviews with Sikh elders, recording and preserving lived experiences of Sikh musical heritage in the UK. Participants will work directly with community members to capture, translate and transcribe oral histories.
What will the Instrument Repair cohort explore?
The Instrument Repair cohort will explore Sikh instrument history, design and repair, developing practical skills while deepening understanding of their cultural and spiritual significance.
What are instrument repair diagnostic surgeries?
Instrument repair diagnostic surgeries invite the wider community to have their sacred instruments assessed and receive guidance on their condition and care.
How will the project’s learning be shared?
Learning from both cohorts will be shared through a public programme, enabling wider engagement with Sikh musical heritage.
How can I get involved?
You can explore the current opportunities and volunteer roles on this page, and register your interest in Instrument Repair using the “Register your interest” button.
Is the Oral History course underway?
Yes. The current cohort is halfway through the course.
When does the Instrument Repair course start?
Monday 2 November 2026. It is an 8-week course.
How can I express interest in Instrument Repair?
Use the “Register your interest” button on this page.
Will there be instrument checking sessions?
Yes. Sessions are planned, with dates and booking details to be announced.