Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur)

 

 

Among the esteemed Kirtanis who have been honoured with the prestigious Shiromani Raagi Award by the Punjab Government, one distinguished name is that of Bhai Bawa Singh Ji of Gurdaspur. Bhai Bawa Singh Ji was born on 26th November 1947 in the village of Purana Shawla (also known as Purana Shalla), located in the Gurdaspur district of Punjab. He was born to Sardar Boorh Singh Ji and Mata Harnam Kaur Ji, in a family deeply rooted to Sikh tradition. From an early age, Bhai Sahib exhibited a keen interest in Gurbani Kirtan, a passion that was nurtured and encouraged by his family. In pursuit of excellence in music and Kirtan, he received formal training from Master Gurbachan Lal Pardesi, and later advanced his knowledge of classical music under the guidance of Master Jagdish Raj Kohli. After receiving blessings and rigorous training from his Ustads, Bhai Bawa Singh Ji went on to form his own ‘jatha’ and began performing Kirtan.

He has performed Kirtan at numerous major cities across India, where he inspired countless members of the Sikh Sangat through his melodious renditions of Gurbani. His dedication also led him to the United States, where he was warmly received by the American Sangat and continued to spread the message of Guru Sahib through Kirtan. Bhai Bawa Singh Ji served with great commitment as the Head Granthi and Hazoori Raagi at Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Gurdaspur. During this period, he also had the honour of performing Kirtan on All India Radio, further extending the reach of Gurbani to a wider audience.

In recognition of his lifelong dedication to Gurbani Kirtan, he was awarded the Shiromani Raagi Award by the Bhasha Vibhag, Punjab. In addition, he has been honoured in several cities, including Amritsar, Dhanbad (Bihar), Batala, Rampur Khera, Mumbai, and Ramdaspur (Hoshiarpur). Beyond his musical and spiritual contributions, Bhai Bawa Singh Ji was deeply engaged in community service and also served as the village head, demonstrating leadership and commitment to the welfare of his people.

Bhai Bawa Singh Ji got married to Bibi Kuldeep Kaur Ji, and together they have been blessed with two sons, Jagjit Singh and Jaspal Singh, and one daughter. After a life devoted to the service of Gurbani and the community, Bhai Bawa Singh Ji passed away on 25th March 2018. His legacy continues to live on through his Kirtan, his service, and the lives he touched with his humility and devotion.

 

The recordings below were kindly contributed by Sardar Nachatar Singh Sahota. These were recorded in Richmond Hill, New York. Please ‘right click’ and ‘save link as’ to download audio files. Enjoy!

 

Kirtan on 6th April 1988

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – Har Jio Nimania Tu Maan

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – Sajana Sant Aavo Mere (Darbari)

 

Kirtan on 3rd July 1988

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – Apne Sevak Kou Kabhu Na Bisaro

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – Aye Mil Gursikh Aye Mil

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – Gurshikhan Ki Har Dhur Dey

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – Mere Sahiba Kaun Jane Gun Tere

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – Paati Torey Malini

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – Tudh Chit Aye Maha Aananda

 

Kirtan on 16th October 1988

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – Bhalo Bhalo Re Kirtanea

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – Gur Taar Taaranharea

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – Haun Gholi Jio Ghol Ghumayee

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – Ja Ka Meet Sajan Hey Sameaa

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – Main Banda Baikhreed Sach Sahib Mera

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – Mere Man Satgur Sev Sukh Hoyee

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – Naam Maharas Peo Sakhea (Inc)

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – Permeshwar Te Bhuliean

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – Poojho Ram Ek Hi Deva

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – Tin Kou Saglee Sojh Payee

 

The following recordings were obtained from the Sewapanthi channel on YouTube. These are from a Kirtan program at Gurdwara Mitha Tiwana on 15th June 2004.

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – Chaitaee Ta Chait Lai

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – Jaag Re Man Jaaganhare

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – Japoh Ta Aiko Naama

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – Satgur Mera Sada Dyala

Bhai Bawa Singh (Gurdaspur) – So Sukh Mokou Sant Batavoh