Partaal is a deep musical mechanism that was created by the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das Sahib. This framework is unique to Gurmat Sangeet and does not exist in Indian Classical Music. The purpose of Partaal was to allow average people to compose their standard of life by incorporating the rhythms of life with music. Partaal shows the different faces to our daily routines from balanced and calm to manic and fast paced, this variation simplifies the ability to connect with and understand the wisdom of Sabd Guru.

A composition in Partaal incorporates various rhythmic patterns in one composition, therefore the rhao (chorus) would have a different taal (rhythmic pattern) to each of the padas (verses) which all have different taals. This is a very difficult concept to justify and execute as it requires a deep musical knowledge but most importantly the knowledge that chosen taals complement the poetry (bani and elevate the delivery of the message. Music is a means to understand bani more clearly; therefore should be used to simplify the message. Music should not become a barrier and confuse the listener.

The Source

Partaal originates from the tradition of Gurmat Kirtan, a philosophy and practice of composing the mind through sound started by Guru Nanak Sahib in the late 15th century in the Panjab region of India. All partaal sabds are found in Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji.

Shaan

The opening Shaan, an instrumental composition, serves to attune the mind to the upcoming conversation with the soul. Its rhythmic elements give voice to the wandering thoughts of the mind, gradually bringing them to the center and opening the mind’s heart to the wisdom of the Sabd. Before we are ready to truly wind down and drift into peaceful sleep, it's time to listen to the mind's voice. Composed in Raag Dhnasree, the Shaan initiates an inner conversation in an inspiring light. 

Raag Dhnaasree Partaal

Dhnaasree is a sense of being completely carefree. This sensation arises from a feeling of contentment and 'richness' from the things we have in our lives and gives the listener a positive and optimistic attitude towards the future.

Raag Saarag Partaal

Saarag's character is soothing and has the ability to extinguish the mind's smouldering selfishness and negative nature. The emotions of Saarag quench the mind's burning desires, by expressing and highlighting the soul's pure and true thoughts. This is a positive and fulfilling change. 

Raag Nutt Partaal 

Nutt creates the impression of being wild and uncontrollable, and appears extreme in its feeling. It conveys the feeling of being out of control and on the edge, however it returns from the brink, by re-establishing control and stability, and hence creating a sense of relief.This raag uses its expertise in this way to create feelings of suspense.

Raag Soohee Partaal

Raag Soohee is an expression of such devotion that the listener experiences feelings of extreme closeness and undying love. The listener is bathed in that love and genuinely comes to know what it means to adore. 

Raag Kaanrraa Partaal

Kaanrraa evokes feelings of being overcome by a personality which is so impressive that its character is difficult to stop thinking about. The personality conveyed has magnetism which makes you think of them as your own and is able to win you over with its remarkable qualities and outlook. 

Raag Raamkalee Partaal

The emotions in Raag Raamkalee are like those of a wise teacher disciplining their student. The student is aware of the pain of the learning but is still conscious of the fact that ultimately it is for the best. In this way, Raamkalee conveys the change from all that we are familiar with to something we are certain will be better.