Experience an extraordinary jori solo performance by master percussionist Sudarshan Chana at the prestigious Barbican Hall, London. This captivating Indian classical percussion showcase opened the second half of "Guru Nanak's Message of Peace through Music" concert on 6th April 2025.

In this mesmerizing six-minute jori performance, Sudarshan Chana demonstrates exceptional virtuosity on the traditional Punjabi folk drums, accompanied by Momin Khan's soul-stirring sarangi. The intricate rhythmic patterns (taal) and lightning-fast hand techniques showcase the depth of North Indian classical music percussion.

About Jori and Kirtan Traditions
The jori (also spelled jodi or jorhee) is a pair of small wooden drums fundamental to Punjabi folk music and Sikh devotional traditions. Unlike the classical tabla, jori drums produce a distinctive, resonant tone that has accompanied kirtan (devotional singing) in Gurdwaras for centuries. Historically, the jori holds deep spiritual significance in Sikh dharam, traditionally used to accompany the singing of shabads (hymns) from the Guru Granth Sahib. Kirtan, meaning "to repeat" or "to praise," is a central practice in Sikh worship where sacred verses are sung to music, creating a meditative atmosphere that connects devotees to divine consciousness. The jori's rhythmic patterns support the kirtan's spiritual message, enhancing the devotional experience through its earthy, grounding percussion that has been passed down through generations of Sikh musicians and ragis (devotional singers).

History of Jori & Kirtan

About the Project  
Performance Date: 6 April 2025  
Venue: Barbican Centre, London  
This project explored how Guru Nanak’s timeless message of equality, compassion and spiritual awakening continues to resonate. Music was central to his mission—he travelled with Bhai Mardana, a Muslim rababi, using song to share spiritual wisdom beyond caste and creed. Darbar honoured this tradition by bringing musicians of diverse faiths onto one stage, spreading unity and peace.  

 

Credits: - 

Musicians 

Aruna Sairam (carnatic vocals) 
Zeeshan Ali (sufi vocals) 
Bhai Anantvir Singh (kirtania) 
Amrita Kaur (kirtania) 
Momin Khan (sarangi) 
Patri Satish Kumar (mridangam) 
Giridhar Udupa (ghatam) 
Surdarshan Chana  (tabla & jori) 
Gurdain Rayatt (tabla) 
Beibei Wang (da ga drum) 

 

Darbar Team:  

Sandeep Virdee OBE (Artistic Director) 
Simrat Lall (Darbar Festival Manager) 
María Guardiola (Festivals and Events Manager) 
Depesh Patel (Events Manager) 
Jamie Craven (Head of Design) 
Rahul Ravindran (Creative Video Editor) 
Sana Ejaz (Marketing Executive) 
Zahabiya Patharia (Marketing Executive) 
Christoph Bracher (Head of Sound) 

 

Filming Crew 

Pritpal Sagoo (Digital Consultant) 
Gurwinder Soor (Content Creator and Platform Manager) 
Tom Grancia (Technical Production) 
Carl Owen (Camera Operator) 
Chris Connel (Camera Operator) 
Anup Parmar (Camera Operator) 
Nick Morchang (Camera Operator) 

 

Technical Team 

Phil Jones (Front of House Sound) 
John Duckett (Sound Monitors) 
Mark Gardner (Lighting Designer) 
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Darbar believes in the power of Indian classical arts to stir and inspire. Since 2006, we have delivered live events, education, broadcasts and digital experiences, while supporting new talent from India and the UK. 

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