Within the Sikh tradition, the Adi Granth, revered as the Guru Granth Sahib, is approached as a living spiritual guide, and its recitation is therefore carried out with great discipline and reverence. The text is read in the Gurmukhi script, which preserves hymns composed in several languages and dialects, and there is a strong emphasis on clear, correct pronunciation and maintaining the natural poetic meter. The scripture is enthroned on a raised platform, covered with clean cloths, and attended by a designated reader, the granthi, whose head remains covered and whose demeanor reflects the sacredness of the task. Congregants typically sit on the floor in a posture of humility, listening attentively or joining in familiar lines.

A distinctive feature of this recitation is its musical character. Much of the Adi Granth is arranged according to classical Indian ragas, and hymns are sung as kirtan, using melodic modes and rhythmic patterns that are understood to deepen the spiritual resonance of the words. Trained devotional musicians or granthis lead this singing, often with instruments such as harmonium and tabla, while the congregation participates in refrains. Even when the text is not fully sung, the reading tends to carry a chant-like cadence that respects both the poetic structure and the contemplative mood of the scripture.

Several established forms of reading structure the community’s engagement with the Adi Granth. Akhand Path is a continuous, unbroken recitation of the entire scripture, usually completed over roughly two days by a team of readers taking turns, while Sehaj Path is a complete reading undertaken at a gentler, flexible pace over a longer period. Daily practice is shaped by Nitnem, the recitation of specific compositions from the Guru Granth Sahib, and many devotees also recite particular sections such as Sukhmani Sahib for spiritual focus and peace. In all these modes, the guiding principle is that the divine Word is never treated casually, but is voiced with care, devotion, and a steady awareness that sound, meaning, and discipline are inseparably intertwined.