Guru Nanak: The Mystic, the Poet

A musico-literary exploration of Baba Nanak’s writings by Radhika Sood Nayak

Five centuries ago, Guru Nanak travelled across regions and faiths, sharing a message of oneness: Ik Onkar (ੴ), the belief that there is one eternal truth present in all creation. His teachings emphasised that all people are equal, love is central to a meaningful life, and honest work and good deeds are forms of devotion.

This Gurpurab, join Sufi vocalist and composer Radhika Sood Nayak for an evening of Shabads (hymns) from the Guru Granth Sahib. The programme will feature the Baanis of Guru Nanak, along with compositions by other Sikh Bhagats – saints and poets whose teachings continue to inspire generations.

Among them are Bhagat Kabir, the weaver-poet who spoke against ritual and social divisions; Bhagat Namdev, the devotional poet from Maharashtra; and Bhagat Ravidas, who imagined Begumpura – a city free from sorrow and inequality.

Their compositions emerged from the Bhakti movement, a significant socio-spiritual movement that challenged social hierarchies and emphasised devotion, equality and love. Their hymns continue to be an integral part of the Guru Granth Sahib, bringing together voices and traditions across communities.

Be part of an evening where music brings people together, transcending the divisions of caste, class and religion, and reminding us of the shared humanity at the heart of every faith.

About the Artist: Radhika Sood Nayak

Radhika Sood Nayak is a vocalist, composer and narrator, rooted in Hindustani classical music. Her love for Sufi Kalaam was kindled by the poetry of 17th-century mystic Bulleh Shah.

Her journey began with the Mumbai Kabir Festival and she has since performed at Kabir yatras in Rajasthan and Malwa. Inspired by the poetry of Shah Hussain, she has composed new music and worked with artists from Lahore and Kutch to create music videos. Her renditions carry a quiet resolve to dissolve rigid identities and man-made borders.

Radhika holds an MBA from XLRI Jamshedpur and has worked in the corporate world before choosing to pursue music full time. Today she curates poetry-led musical performances, with her own narration in English, to take Panjabi poetry beyond borders.

Image Credits: Miniature painting of Guru Nanak listening to musicians. Provincial Mughal, circa 1680. From the collection of the mahant of Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib complex, Dehradun. Sourced through Wikimedia Commons

Date and time:
22 November 2026, Saturday
05:00 PM – 07:00 PM

Venue:
IME Museum,
JP Nagar 7th phase,
Bengaluru – 560078

Registration:
Click Here

Ticket:
Free to attend with RSVP