In an effort to encourage our youth to memorize the Nitnem Baanis and support our community in reciting Paath together in their families, the Rochester Sikh Gurdwara will begin holding a bi-annual Paath Symposium.
Twice a year youth from the community will be invited to participate in a unique challenge to recite from memory a Nitnem Baani they have been learning. Participation is open to any child from birth to age 18. It is important that parents help their children at home learn the Nitnem Baanis in preparation for the Symposium. Each child who participates and demonstrates their proficiency will then be recognized by the Sangat.
Each Baani a child decides to recite will be broken up into levels to accommodate younger children who are putting an effort to learning Paath. As each child starts at whatever level fits their ability, it is encouraged to advance through each Baani as each successive symposium occurs.
Jap Ji Sahib – 5 levels
Level 1 – Mool Mantar
Level 2 – Mool Mantar to completion of 5th pauri
Level 3 – Mool Mantar to completion of 15th pauri
Level 4 – Mool Mantar to completion of 25th pauri
Level 5 – Complete Baani
Jaap Sahib – 4 levels
Level 1 – First 50 Paday
Level 2 – First 100 Paday
Level 3 – First 150 Paday
Level 4 – Complete Baani
Tva Parsaad Svayaee – 1 level
Anand Sahib – 2 levels
Level 1 – Completion of first 20 pauris
Level 2 – Complete Baani
Rehraas Sahib – 2 levels
Level 1 – So Dar up to Beynti Chaupai
Level 2 – Complete Baani
Sohila Paath – 1 level
Ardaas – 1 level
It is important to note this is not a competition or a contest between children. It is an opportunity for every child to challenge themselves to advance according to their own effort. We hope with the start of this endeavor our children will begin to learn Nitnem which forms the basis of the daily discipline of a Sikh and be empowered to recite their Nitnem with confidence. Moreover, we hope our Sikh families learn and grow to do Paath together and strengthen their connection to Sikhi and the Guru.