Nitnem is the set of Banis a Sikh reads every day: in the morning at Amrit Vela, Rehras Sahib in the evening, and Kirtan Sohila at night before sleep. Nit means daily and nem means discipline, so Nitnem is a daily discipline of Gurbani.
The Sikh morning prayer
The Sikh Rehat Maryada names three Banis for the morning: Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib and Tav Prasad Savaiye. Many Sikhs, including those who have taken Amrit, also read Chaupai Sahib and Anand Sahib, making five morning Banis. These are the same five Banis recited when Amrit is prepared.
- Japji Sahib, by Guru Nanak Dev Ji: the opening Bani of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, beginning with the Mool Mantar, with 38 pauris and a closing salok.
- Jaap Sahib, by Guru Gobind Singh Ji: praise of Waheguru's countless qualities.
- Tav Prasad Savaiye, by Guru Gobind Singh Ji: ten savaiye teaching that rituals and outward show mean nothing without love for Waheguru.
- Chaupai Sahib, by Guru Gobind Singh Ji: a Bani asking for Waheguru's protection.
- Anand Sahib, by Guru Amar Das Ji: a Bani of bliss, with 40 pauris.
The evening and night prayers
- Rehras Sahib is read in the evening, around sunset. It gathers Shabads from several Gurus, and is a time to give thanks for the day.
- Kirtan Sohila is read at night before sleep. It is short, five Shabads, and is also read when Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is placed in Sukhasan at night.
When to read each Bani, and how long it takes
Reading times are rough, at a steady pace. They get shorter with practice.
Morning, at Amrit Vela (the early hours before dawn), or as early as you can
- Japji Sahib: about 15 to 20 minutes
- Jaap Sahib: about 10 to 15 minutes
- Tav Prasad Savaiye: about 5 minutes
- Chaupai Sahib: about 5 minutes
- Anand Sahib: about 10 minutes
Evening, around sunset
- Rehras Sahib: about 15 to 20 minutes
Night, before sleep
- Kirtan Sohila: about 5 minutes
The morning Banis together take roughly 45 minutes to an hour. Read the Nitnem Banis in Gurmukhi with English translation. Learn more about the Hukamnama, which many Sikhs read after their morning Nitnem.
If you have drifted away, how to start again
Many Sikhs grew up with Nitnem and slowly let it go. Coming back does not have to happen all at once.
- Start with one Bani. Japji Sahib in the morning and Kirtan Sohila at night is a gentle, steady beginning. Add the others over weeks, not days.
- Read along with transliteration and meaning. If you can't read Gurmukhi fluently, read the Gurmukhi with the transliteration beside it, and the English meaning to understand it. Our Gurmukhi alphabet page helps you learn the letters.
- Listen along. Following an audio recitation is a good way to learn the pronunciation and rhythm.
- Keep a fixed time. The same time each day matters more than the length.
- Read with respect. Cover your head, sit calmly, and give the Bani your attention.
Frequently asked questions
What are the 5 Banis of Nitnem?
The five morning Banis are Japji Sahib, Jaap Sahib, Tav Prasad Savaiye, Chaupai Sahib and Anand Sahib. With Rehras Sahib in the evening and Kirtan Sohila at night, the full daily Nitnem has seven Banis.
What is the Sikh evening prayer?
Rehras Sahib, read around sunset.
What is the Sikh night prayer?
Kirtan Sohila, read before sleep.
What if I miss a day?
Simply begin again the next day. Nitnem is a daily practice of remembering Waheguru, and returning to it is part of the practice.
