I am Mexican-American. Born and bred. However, I think it's the most beautiful thing in the world to be exposed to different cultures and attitudes and view points. While I will still be "me" afterwards, I will have had the ability to have diverse experiences. Much like this past Sunday. I had the pleasure of witnessing two of my Sikh friends practicing their Kirtan.

Kirtan is a Sikh sacred hymn. Sikhism is a northern Indian religion that was founded in the 16th century by Guru Nanak.* Sikhism was light-years ahead of the later equal rights movements of the 20th century, as the religion rejected the caste system of India and believed in equality among males and females.

My friend Rimmy (she plays the harmonium and sings) is perhaps one of the most passionate people I know. Her devotion to Sikhism and to her culture is something I can only stare in awe at. Thankfully, I was not only able to stare in awe, but I was also able to take some pictures as well.

I've posted some of the photos below. I plan to write more about my experience hearing them play later (I'm still a bit busy, but I wanted to post something), but I'm hoping that through these pictures, you're able to get a glimpse of the beauty of these hymns much like I did.

 

  

  

 

 



*http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Sikhism


all photos © michelle aguila 2010