Akhand Path

Definition

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Main Text

Akhand Path is a continual reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib. The Akhand Path is conducted at various occasions including marriage, funeral, days commemorating the Gurus, and important life stages such as the beginning of studies or business. The practice originated approximately 300 years ago.

The Akhand Path most often takes place in a formal Gurdwara setting. Alternatively, the Akhand Path may take place at a home. For some Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib is housed permanently in the home. In this case, the home is considered a Gurdwara. For these Sikhs, more often than an Akhand Path will be the performance of a Sahaj Path. The Sahaj Path reading is not continuous and may span over the course of more than a week. Alternatively, an Akhand Path may be performed by bringing the scripture from a local Gurdwara. [1] More rare still is the Ati Akhand Path, in which the Akhand Path is conducted by a single person. [2]

The reading takes about 48 h...