Pothi Seva

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Pothi Seva

Pothi Seva is a non-profit organisation that is committed to the preservation, conservation and restoration of Sikh scriptures and related literature.

04/04/2026

Preparing single-leaf sheets of Sikh poetic text

A sevadar at Sri Anandpur Sahib is preparing single leaves of a historical Sikh poetic text called ‘Niranjani Jot’ in preparation for sewing and binding.
Join our seva sessions in London, Chandigarh, Anandpur Sahib and Takht Sri Patna Sahib to learn professional quality conservation techniques from experienced sevadars.

You can also support Pothi Seva by becoming a donating member. Check the links in our bio.”

02/02/2026

Resewing a Sangrahi (Anthology) Pothi

After months of meticulous repair this sevadar is resewing a Sangrahi (anthology) Pothi with patience and concentration.

Join our weekly sessions in London, Chandigarh and Anandpur Sahib to learn professional quality conservation techniques from experienced sevadars.

You can also support Pothi Seva by becoming a donating member. Every contribution helps repair priceless Gurmukhi heritage. Check the links in our bio.

25/01/2026

Repairing modern Pothi Sahibs

Alongside early hath-likhats (manuscript) we teach sevadars to repair relatively modern Pothi Sahibs in a way that preserves their style and appearance, whilst also using strong, archival quality materials. These images show some typical stages in the repair of a small ‘Gutka’ Pothi Sahib.

Join our weekly sessions in London, Chandigarh and Anandpur Sahib to learn professional quality conservation techniques from experienced sevadars.

You can also support Pothi Seva by becoming a donating member. Every contribution helps repair priceless Gurmukhi heritage. Check the links in our bio.

20/01/2026

Seva Close Up: Models

Learning using models and mock-ups is an important element of Pothi Seva. Here a sevadar is practicing an endband type before constructing it on a Guru Granth Sahib Ji Bhag Pothi Sahib.

Join our weekly sessions in London, Chandigarh and Anandpur Sahib to learn professional quality conservation techniques from experienced sevadars.

You can also support Pothi Seva by becoming a donating member. Every contribution helps repair priceless Gurmukhi heritage. Check the links in our bio.

02/01/2026

Seva Close Up

Reattaching the cover of a Sukhmani Sahib Pothi after adding new endleaves and spine linings.

Join our weekly sessions in London, Chandigarh and Anandpur Sahib to learn professional quality conservation techniques from experienced sevadars.

You can also support Pothi Seva by becoming a donating member. Every contribution helps repair priceless Gurmukhi heritage. Check the links in our bio.

20/12/2025

Memories ਯਾਦਾਂ

October 2023
Surveying waterside vegetation relating to historical paper-making in the Kashmir Valley as part of the ongoing ‘Dhan Su Kagad’ Project. Kashmir was the source of paper for many Gurmukhi Pothi Sahibs. Thanks to photographer and wetlands expert for his kind help and assistance with this.

Join our weekly sessions in London, Chandigarh and Anandpur Sahib to learn professional quality conservation techniques from experienced sevadars.

You can also support Pothi Seva by becoming a donating member. Every contribution helps repair priceless Gurmukhi heritage. Check the links in our bio.

07/11/2025

This week marks the fifth Barsi of Giani Gurnam Singh Ji Sampradai Bhinder Kalan (d. 2020CE). Giani Ji was known for their lifelong dedication in repairing Pothi Sahibs and especially Sri Guru Granth Sahibs. During their time as a student of Sant Giani Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa, Giani Gurnam Singh was already known for repairing Sri Guru Granth Sahibs. As a nomadic Giani, they would travel from village to village performing sambhal-seva and also Gurbani Katha. Their life is testament to the historical depth of the indigenous tradition of Sambhal Seva (Care/Conservation) in the Sikh tradition. More information about their life and legacy will be shared on the Pothi Seva website soon.

ਇਹ ਹਫਤਾ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਗੁਰਨਾਮ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਸੰਪਰਦਾਏ ਭਿੰਡਰ ਕਲਾਂ (ਈ: ੨੦੨੦) ਦੀ ਪੰਜਵੀਂ ਬਰਸੀ ਨੂੰ ਸਮਰਪਿਤ ਹੈ। ਗਿਆਨੀ ਜੀ ਆਪਣੀ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਭਰ ਪੋਥੀ ਸਾਹਿਬਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਸ਼੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬਾਂ ਦੀ ਸੰਭਾਲ ਸੇਵਾ ਲਈ ਪ੍ਰਸਿੱਧ ਸਨ। ਸੰਤ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਗੁਰਬਚਨ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਦੇ ਵਿਦਿਆਰਥੀ ਸਨ ਅਤੇ ਉਸ ਹੀ ਸਮੇਂ ਤੋਂ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਗੁਰਨਾਮ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਸ਼੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬਾਂ ਦੀ ਮੁਰੰਮਤ ਦੇ ਕਾਜ ਵਿੱਚ ਮਾਹਰ ਮੰਨੇ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਸਨ। ਇੱਕ ਚਕ੍ਰਵਰਤੀ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਵਜੋਂ, ਉਹ ਪਿੰਡਾਂ ਵਿਚ ਜਾ ਕੇ ਸੰਭਾਲ ਸੇਵਾ ਅਤੇ ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਕਥਾ ਕਰਦੇ ਸਨ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੀ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਤੋ ਸਿੱਧ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਸਿੱਖ ਪਰੰਪਰਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੰਭਾਲ ਸੇਵਾ ਦਾ ਲੰਮਾ ਅਤੇ ਗਹਿਰਾ ਇਤਿਹਾਸ ਹੈ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੀ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਅਤੇ ਵਿਰਾਸਤ ਬਾਰੇ ਹੋਰ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਜਲਦੀ ਹੀ ਪੋਥੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਵੈਬਸਾਈਟ ‘ਤੇ ਸਾਂਝੀ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਾਵੇਗੀ।

16/09/2025

“🛠️ Seva Tools: Thumb Protector

📖 Where precision meets devotion in the preservation of Gurbani

During the hand-stitching and rebinding of historic Pothi Sahibs, Sevadars often work in tight situations. Over time, this can lead to thumb strain and even piercing injuries. The thumb protector is a simple but essential tool that allows the seva to continue with care.

🔸 Safeguards the stitching hand during endband sewing and enhances control during the binding process

🔸 Prevents fatigue, especially during long hours of conservation seva

At Pothi Seva, every tool is chosen with intention. The thumb protector is part of a wider toolkit that blends conservation expertise with Sikhi traditions.

🧵 This is not just repair work. It’s Sambhal Seva.

Join our weekly sessions in Southall or Chandigarh to learn professional conservation techniques. No prior experience needed. Training is given without charging any fee. The Sangat is welcome. Every hand makes a difference.

You can also support Pothi Seva by becoming a donating member. Every contribution helps us protect the Guru’s Bani for generations to come. Check the links on our bio.

https://www.pothiseva.net/donate

22/08/2025

Over the past 5 years or so, Pothi Seva has been assisting the John Rylands Research Institute and Library (University of Manchester) with the ongoing sambhal seva (care and conservation) of a highly historical Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The library has collaborated with local Gurdwaras to enable a variety of different smagams (sacred gatherings). Here are some photos from a range of different events from the past two years which Pothi Seva has assisted with.

08/08/2025

The Chandigarh Seva Asthan

A sacred space dedicated to the repair, and care of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Gurmukhi Pothis, carried out with the a combination of traditional knowledge, and globally recognised standards.

📍 Located in the heart of Chandigarh, this Seva Asthan is on the second floor of Gurdwara Sahib, Sector 23—a peaceful and easily accessible place of devotion. Whether arriving by local bus stops or other modes of transport, the location is convenient for all sevadars, near and far.

🛠️ The Asthan is thoughtfully equipped to support this delicate and spiritual work:

– Clean high quality tools

– Conservation-grade materials and one-to-one professional guidance

– Spacious, well-ventilated work areas

– A serene and humble environment that nurtures mindfulness and devotion

The entire conservation process is guided by Pothi Seva’s international team of Sambhal Sevadars who are qualified professional art conservators. This helps ensure every step reflects precision, respect, and international best practices.

We would love to teach more Sevadars (volunteers) to obtain this knowledge and assist in Seva projects, so please contact us if you’re interested.

Alternatively if you are interested in joining and supporting this effort financially please become a donating member or make a single donation using the links in our bio.

Address

Anandpur Sahib
140118

Telephone

07821269324

Website

http://www.pothiseva.net/

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