What Is Nitnem? The Daily Banis of Sikhism

Nitnem means a daily rule or routine. In Sikhism it is the set of banis (hymns) that a Sikh recites every day. The Sikh Rehat Maryada, the code of conduct published by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, lists the banis of the Khalsa Nitnem.

The daily banis

When	Banis
Morning	Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Tav-Prasad Savaiye, Chaupai Sahib and Anand Sahib
Evening	Rehras Sahib
Night	Kirtan Sohila

Amrit vela

The early hours before sunrise are called amrit vela, the time of nectar. Many Sikhs rise then to bathe and recite the morning banis, when the mind is quiet. Not everyone can do this, and many recite at another time of the morning.

How long does it take?

The five morning banis together take about an hour to an hour and a half at a steady pace, Rehras about 15 to 25 minutes and Kirtan Sohila about 5 to 10 minutes. These are rough figures; they depend on how quickly you recite.

How a beginner can start

Nobody has to begin with the whole set. Many families start with the Mool Mantar, then the first pauris of Japji Sahib, adding a little more each week. Learning the Gurmukhi script helps a great deal; see Learn Gurmukhi. Reciting with a family member or a teacher at the gurdwara is the best way to learn the pronunciation and the tune.

Sukhmani Sahib and others

Many Sikhs also read Sukhmani Sahib and other banis, but they are not part of the Khalsa Nitnem as listed in the Rehat Maryada.

Questions people ask

Is Nitnem compulsory?

For Amritdhari Sikhs the Rehat Maryada makes it part of the discipline. Others recite as much as they can; the practice is encouraged for all.

Can I recite from a phone?

Many people do. Treat the screen with the same respect as a printed pothi: wash hands, keep your head covered if that is your practice, and keep the device clean and in a respectful place.

This page gives general information in plain words. For how to practise, ask your granthi or a teacher at your gurdwara.