Akhand Kirtani Jatha
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The Akhand Kirtani Jatha (or AKJ) is a group (jatha) that is dedicated to the ideal Sikh lifestyle. It was started by Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh Ji, he was given the title of "Bhai Sahib" and the suffix "Ji" because he was honoured by all 5 "Takhts" or supreme centres for Sikhs, he was the only Sikh to do this in the 20th century. The jatha follows a strict discipline in keeping with the code of conduct (rehit) laid down by Guru Gobind Singh. The AKJ’s main centre is at Amritsar, Punjab (India), with a base in Coventry, United Kingdom and in Narangval, the birth place of Randhir Singh, a village in the Punjab state of India.
The AKJ was founded by Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh Ji. As of March 2, 2005, the chief of Akhand Kirtani Jatha (International) is Bhai Surat Singh (Pooran).
The jatha refines the general code of conduct created by the "Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee" (SGPC.) AKJ believes in the efficacy of kirtan (devotional singing with instruments), and regularly holds overnight sessions called rain sabai. Their style of kirtan is recited by Sikhs in a collective manner in front of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. It is relatively simple compared to other forms of kirtan and the entire congregation participates in singing. The group also attaches particular importance to the meditation and repetition of holy mantras 'Waheguru' ('wonderful guru').
The jatha observes strict lacto vegetarianism and many members, will only use iron utensils (Sarb Loh) when cooking or eating and accept food only made by Amritdharis (baptized sikhs) this is known as Sarb loh bibek. The group replaces the uncut hair (kesh) with a small under-turban (keshki) which both women and men wear. The addition of keshki to kesh is justified by the fact that all the other five K's are external and additional to the natural human form. The other five K's are Kangha (comb), Kirpan (sword), Kachha (short drawers) and Kara (steel bracelet.) Kesh are also considered to be of greater significance than the five k's since removing hair falls into the "four kurehits" (removal of hair, eating of meat, extramarital sexual relations, and use of intoxicants) which are regarded as cardinal sins. They result in the iniated Sikh breaking his or her vows and requiring re-initiation.
