Asa Di War: The Sikh Ballad of Hope

Asa di War is the Sikh ballad of hope. Along with the Japji Sahib, it is a part of Nitnem or morning service of devout Sikhs. To learn the Asa di War is a sacred obligation of all god-loving Sikhs. Sung in the ambrosial hours, it is set in Raag Asa, a musical measure intended to evoke an intense mood of hope or desire. It consists of 24 Pauris, which can be envisaged as "rungs of a ladder" on which an idea is unfolded, step-by-step. Guru Nanak mostly composed the W r. Chanting the War will guide the Gur Sikh on the path to moksha, and in finding the Lord's grace.