bsMqu hmwrY rwm rMgu ]

sMq jnw isau sdw sMgu ]1] rhwau ]

In the words of Sri Guru Arjan, the love of the lord is the true manifestation of Basant or spring. In the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, our Gurus have often used metaphors, drawn from nature to explain the human condition. Of the 31 Ragas in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, two Ragas in particular – Basant and Malhar, associated with the changing seasons, are used to express these metaphors.

The references to Basant for instance, are usually about the flowering of the soul; the message is always conveyed with dazzling beauty :

ruiq AweIly srs bsMq mwih ]

The season of spring, so delightful, has come.

rMig rwqy rvih is qyrY cwie ]

Those imbued with love for You, chant Your Name with joy.

iksu pUj cVwvau lgau pwie ]1]

Whom else should I worship? At whose feet should I bow? ||1||

One of the enduring traditions in the world of Gurmat Sangeet is the singing of Raga Basant and associated Ragas such as Hindol, Basant Hindol, Bahar, Basant Bahar from the Sangrand of Magh to Hola Mohalla. During this period every Kirtaniya is enjoined to sing Bani in Raga Basant from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib in these Ragas. It is also customary to sing the paudis of Basant Ki Var during this period. This tradition is faithfully followed at Sri Harmandir Sahib even today.

On March 8, 2003 this tradition will be kept alive at the New England Sikh Study Circle, Milford Gurdwara in Milford Massachusetts. From 2 p.m. onwards the New England Sangat will gather to participate in a special Kirtan Darbar dedicated to Basant. Offering Kirtan Seva will be :