Jat Sikhs cont'd

Jats are very reluctant to abandon their Jat traditions and beliefs, indeed many Jats to this day, in one way or another, indulge in worship of their ‘Jatheras’ (ancestors) or clan ‘Shaheeds’ (martyrs). Many have blended Jathera worship with orthodox Sikh worship. A large majority of Jats hold an ‘Akhand Path’ (complete reading of Adi Guru Durbar), on occasions such as weddings, or annually, on the martyrdom day of their ancestor. After a Sikh wedding many Jat Sikhs will take the newlywed bride and groom to bow before their village ‘Shaheedi Jaga’ (martyrs mausoleum/memorial). It has to be noted that all such practices are strictly forbidden in strict Akali Nihang Khalsa code of conduct.

Jathera
The tomb of Musapak Shaheed, Uch, Pakistan

Today, the Jat culture is most apparent throughout Sikhism and beyond in India and Indian Diaspora through its popular music known as ‘Bhangra’. The lyrics of Bhangra illustrate Jat clan attitudes towards women, sex, drinking, revenge, self-pride etc. The vast majority of the time, these attitudes and expressions tend to conflict with puritanical modern Sikhism.

Lalchand Yamlajat
One of the most famous of Bhangra musicians and an expert 'Tumbi' player

Even so, Bhangra is very popular with Sikh youth of all communities irrespective of the fact modern Sikh fundamentalists such as Akhand Kirtani Jatha are doing their utmost to discredit Bhangra culture as immoral. Even where Jats are not found, their music has reached there.

Giddah
Village girls in Punjab dancing, circa early 1920s

Once, Nihang Niddar Singh came across a local Hindu during his travels in Southern India. When asked how the local man knew Punjabi, he replied:

Through Bhangra, the Jat influence has even reached those who do not approve of Jat culture itself. Recently, Nihang Niddar Singh visited New York, where he came across Americanized ‘Pappa’ Sikh youth. They could not understand how Jats can consider themselves Sikh, and still not agree with inter-caste marriages. In their idealistic thinking, a Sikh is a Sikh, be they of whatever caste, race or color, and as such inter-caste marriages should be the norm amongst Sikhs. Despite this stance, they could not deny Jat influence when it was pointed out that the Bhangra music that they are so fond of is simply an extension of Jat culture. If they listen to five or so Bhangra songs at random, it is most likely they will find direct references to Jats or ‘Jattis’ (Jat women) or indirect references to Jat culture.

Jatti
A Jat woman, circa late 19th century