Jori
Jori is a percussion instrument that traces its roots through the rich heritage of Sikh music. It is known for its breath-taking, powerful open-strokes and intricate rhythms played with open hands and fingers. In Kirtan, Jori symbolizes the rhythm of life.
To offer a brief historical perspective, the instrument Jori was brought to existence in the court of Guru Arjan Dev (1563-1606) by renowned Kirtaniyas (bards) of the era – Bhai Satta Dum and Bhai Rai Balwand. Jori was created by splitting a century-old one-barrel instrument – Pakhawaj – into two pieces of drums.
The exact reasons why Pakhawaj was split into two smaller drums are unknown. However, understanding the evolving nature of music from Dhrupad to Desi or Margi Sangeet during the time of Guru Arjan Dev, provides some meaningful insight into the evolving need of Jori in Sikh music.
In Sikh music, Jori is utilized as a tool to understand and balance the rhythm of life. In our everyday activities, from rising in the morning to sleeping at night, many of us struggle to keep discipline and focus through the day due to stress caused by our surroundings at work and at home. The art of percussion practiced using Jori helps us recognize the imbalance caused by our everyday stress and provides a practical way to re-balance us. For many percussionists, it is a medium of communication and discovery of their higher consciousness.
Furthermore, Jori is known for its healing properties, a core reason that percussion is bestowed as an important element of Kirtan. The steady and consistent beat used in Kirtan positively effects our physical and psychological being, which results in healing as discovered by a few scientific studies. In such endeavors, scientists discovered the crucial role of rhythm in helping patient with Alzheimer re-learn how to breathe and walk; simple things that many of us take for granted but are the basis of a healthy life.
Today, a few renowned personalities continue preserving the art of percussion on Jori through teaching and performance. These personalities include Bhai Swaran Singh ji, Sukhwinder Singh Namdhari, Gian Singh Namdhari, Bhai Baldeep Singh, Bhai Gaam Rababi and Bhai Sudharshan Singh.
Individuals who practice the art of percussion on Jori have found learning and playing this blessed instrument to be a life-changing experience. I invite you to explore more on the rich legacy and the art of percussion in Sikh music.
To offer a brief historical perspective, the instrument Jori was brought to existence in the court of Guru Arjan Dev (1563-1606) by renowned Kirtaniyas (bards) of the era – Bhai Satta Dum and Bhai Rai Balwand. Jori was created by splitting a century-old one-barrel instrument – Pakhawaj – into two pieces of drums.
The exact reasons why Pakhawaj was split into two smaller drums are unknown. However, understanding the evolving nature of music from Dhrupad to Desi or Margi Sangeet during the time of Guru Arjan Dev, provides some meaningful insight into the evolving need of Jori in Sikh music.
In Sikh music, Jori is utilized as a tool to understand and balance the rhythm of life. In our everyday activities, from rising in the morning to sleeping at night, many of us struggle to keep discipline and focus through the day due to stress caused by our surroundings at work and at home. The art of percussion practiced using Jori helps us recognize the imbalance caused by our everyday stress and provides a practical way to re-balance us. For many percussionists, it is a medium of communication and discovery of their higher consciousness.
Furthermore, Jori is known for its healing properties, a core reason that percussion is bestowed as an important element of Kirtan. The steady and consistent beat used in Kirtan positively effects our physical and psychological being, which results in healing as discovered by a few scientific studies. In such endeavors, scientists discovered the crucial role of rhythm in helping patient with Alzheimer re-learn how to breathe and walk; simple things that many of us take for granted but are the basis of a healthy life.
Today, a few renowned personalities continue preserving the art of percussion on Jori through teaching and performance. These personalities include Bhai Swaran Singh ji, Sukhwinder Singh Namdhari, Gian Singh Namdhari, Bhai Baldeep Singh, Bhai Gaam Rababi and Bhai Sudharshan Singh.
Individuals who practice the art of percussion on Jori have found learning and playing this blessed instrument to be a life-changing experience. I invite you to explore more on the rich legacy and the art of percussion in Sikh music.