New Ways, New Sounds. The Sonic Rite of Sikh Nagar Kirtan in Italy
Thea Tiramani
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17792490
Abstract
This paper focuses on the study of sounds in Sikh nagar kirtan (religious processions) in Italy. Drawing on specific Italian case studies, it aims to describe the structure of these processions – with particular attention to sound – and to investigate their functions and meanings. In the diaspora, nagar kirtan serves to strengthen the sense of belonging to Sikhism and to foster a feeling of communitas among the faithful. The procession becomes a vehicle for collective memory, even for those who may not share a direct or personal one. At the same time, the nagar kirtan allows Sikhs to be recognized by Italian society, asserting their visibility and seeking acknowledgement. In this sense, the procession becomes an opportunity for community members to build bridges, establish connections, and engage in dialogue with the broader society in which they live. This essay argues that music plays a key role in the evolving relationship between the Sikh community and the Italian public. The strategic choice of procession routes, the selection of musical repertoires, and the inclusion of various ancillary elements reflect a deliberate effort to balance internal community needs with the goal of engaging and educating the wider public. Nagar kirtan not only highlights the devotion of the Sikh community but also expresses its commitment to fostering understanding and connection with the broader citizenry – through and especially by means of sound.