RABAB - The Shadow of Guru Nanak

The Rabab of Guru Nanak followed him as his shadow for over 27 years on his travels around the world, played by his beloved companion Bhai Mardana. This was the start of the Sikh Rababi (kirtanee) tradition with the singing of Shabad pardhaan kirtan according to the hukam of the Guru's (following the specified raags).

India houses various types of rababs which vary from region to region, the Sikh Rabab is also known as the Firandia Rabab, named after Bhai Firanda who carved and created the original Rabab which Bebe Nanaki presented to Guru Nanak Dev ji as a gift.

Below is an image of a Firandia Rabab: