Bhai Didar Singh Ji was one of the many gems produced by Prof. Darshan Singh Komal’s school of music. The other distinguished students of Komal Ji include Bhai Dharam Singh Zakhmi, Bhai Beant Singh Bijli, Bhai Chanan Singh Majboor, Bhai Gian Singh Surjit and many more. All of them were very proficient in Gurbani as well as the tradition of Gurmat Sangeet. This was a continuation of the Rababi legacy of Bhai Sain Ditta Ji who taught Prof. Darshan Singh Komal. Coming back to Bhai Didar Singh Ji, he was one of the most talented of Komal Ji’s students and eventually became the heir to his legacy. There is a very in depth article written by Sardar Harjap Singh Aujla regarding Bhai Didar Singh Ji which is a must read.
I’d just like to say a few words that were shared with me by Sardar Harcharan Singh Ji who hosted the jatha of Bhai Didar Singh Ji at his home for a month during his tour in Malaysia in the 70s. Fondly referring to him as Master Didar Singh Ji, he told me that many people used to come from far to learn from Bhai Didar Singh Ji during his stay. Even Giani Mahinder Singh Khalsa used to cycle to his home every day for lessons. Sardar Harcharan Singh Ji had a spool player during that time and used to record many visiting jathas. He also recorded 4 reels of Bhai Didar Singh Ji. Unfortunately, those reels were taken by someone during the 1980s and he never got it back. If anyone has a copy of these reels or any other recordings of Bhai Didar Singh Ji, please contact us.
One incident that Sardar Harcharan Singh Ji narrated to me was that a few years after Bhai Didar Singh Ji’s visit to Malaysia, Harcharan Singh Ji went for a holiday to India with his wife and visited Anandpur Sahib. When he checked into the hotel and got to his room, both husband and wife started chatting. Then a voice came from the room next door asking, “Dr. Sahib is that you?” Coincidentally, Bhai Didar Singh Ji was in the next room. Such were Bhai Didar Singh Ji’s finely tuned ears, that he recognised his voice in an instant. They shared a wonderful time together during their stay there and it was the last they met. Sadly, Bhai Didar Singh Ji passed away not too long after.
The following Asa Ki Vaar was recorded in Kenya in 1983. Please ‘right click’ and ‘save as’ to download audio files. Enjoy!
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Asa Di Vaar in Kenya (1983) Part 1
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Asa Di Vaar in Kenya (1983) Part 2
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Asa Di Vaar in Kenya (1983) Part 3
The following Asa Ki Vaar was recorded in India in 1981. Accompanying him are Bhai Gian Singh Surjit and Bhai Gurbachan Singh Hamdard on tabla. The recording was contributed by Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj.
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal & Gian Singh Surjit – Asa Di Vaar in India 1981 Part 1
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal & Gian Singh Surjit – Asa Di Vaar in India 1981 Part 2
The next few Shabads are from a cassette I obtained from Giani Bikar Singh Ji of Singapore.
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Prabh Ehai Manorath Mera (Malkauns)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Prabh Ki Ustat (Ahir Bhairo)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Pritam Ke Desh Kaise (Bhairavi)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Santan Awar Na Gawoh (Bhairo)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Swami Saran Paryo Darbare (Asavari)
The following 2 Shabads are from his tour to Kenya and these were contributed by Bhai Harbans SIngh Suraj.
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 01 – Saaye Naam Amol
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 02 – Dheero Dekh Tumhare Ranga
The following recordings are from his visit to UK in July 1980. These were contributed by Sardar Nachatar Singh Sahota.
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 01 Bhuleo Man Maya Urjhaeo
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 02 Sajan Mere Rangulay
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 03 Kya Too Soya Jaag Eyaana
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 04 Gurmati Har Har Bolyey
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 05 Dhan So Des Jahan Tu Vasia
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 06 Hamri Ganat Na Ganeea
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 07 Kahe Re Ban Khojan Jaee
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 08 Sadho Kaun Jugat
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 09 Nasro Mansoor Gur Gobind
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 10 Asa Ki Vaar (Partial)
The following recordings are from his visit to Malaysia. These were converted from a spool belonging to late Sardar Sangat Singh Ji.
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 01 – Prabh Ji Tu Mere Praan Adhare
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 02 – Tu Thaakaro Bairagaro
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 03 – Deenan Ki Prithpal
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 04 – Mere Man Jap Gur Gopal
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 05 – Shant Paayi Gur (Incomplete)
The following Shabads are from a ‘Rain Sabai’ held in London on 28th August 1977.
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 01 Houn Balhari Tin Ko (Bihagrha)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 02 Har Jan Ram Naam (Kalavati)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 03 So Kich Kar Jit Mel Na Laage
The following recordings are from his trip to New York and these were contributed by Sardar Nachatar Singh Sahota.
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Dhan So Vela Jit Darshan Karna
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Ek Bina Man Nehek Na Aave
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Gur Ramdas Rakho Sarnayee (12-09-1984)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Hamri Ganat Na Ganiya Kaee
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Nasro Mansur Guru Gobind Singh (12-09-1984) Inc
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Pritam Ke Des Kaise Batan Se Jaiye
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Satgur Aayio Saran Tuhari (12-09-1984)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Asa Di Vaar in NY on 9th Dec 1984 Part 1
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Asa Di Vaar in NY on 9th Dec 1984 Part 2
The following recordings are also from his trip to UK in 1981. These were contributed by Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj (UK).
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 01 Hey Rav Hey Sas
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 02 Gursikh Meet Chalo Gur Chali
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 03 Naam Japo Mere Saajan Saina
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 04 Bandna Har Bandna
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 05 Hey Rav Hey Sas
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 06 Preetam Ke Des Kaise
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 07 Inhee Ki Kirpa Ke Saje
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 08 Hey Rav Hey Sas (1)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 09 Hey Rav Hey Sas (2)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 10 Jee Ki Ekai Hi
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 11 Raj Leela Tere Naam
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 12 Ustat Man Meh Kar Nirankar
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 13 Asa Di Vaar (1)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 14 Asa Di Vaar (2)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 15 Gursikh Meet Chalo
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 16 Asa Di Vaar (3)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 17 Anand Sahib
The following were recorded in Gurdwara Sahib in Hitchin, UK by Sardar Manjeet Singh Chawla. Recordings courtesy of Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj (UK).
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Aa Beta Godh Beethavaan (Dharmak Kavta)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Aa Kaun Sutaa Hai (Dharmak Kavta)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Aape Baho Bidh Rangula
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Anand Sahib
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Dhan Kalgee (Dharmak Kavta)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Farida Bure Da Bhala Kar
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Fateh Chand Aur Rani Fateh Chand Di (Dharmak Kavta)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Ghol Ghumaee Laalna
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Har Jan Raam Naam Gun Gaaweh Part 1
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Har Jan Raam Naam Gun Gaaweh Part 2
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Jap Man Mere Gobind
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Jogi Andar Jogiya
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Kahe Re Ban Khojan Jaaee
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Mai Chonda Haan (Dharmak Kavta)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Mohe Na Bisaro Main Jan Tera
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Mou Laalan Sion Preet Banee
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Ni Eh Moiyo Akhiyo (Dharmak Kavta)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Raaj Leela Tere Naam
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Taar Mardane Di (Dharmak Kavta)
The following recordings were obtained from the Youtube channel ‘Kirtan Legends’. Please check out their channel for more wonderful content at the following link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKkzWMUmiw2sj6QikJrjtVQ/featured
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Abchal Nagar (1981)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Aisay Gur Ko (1981)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Man Mey Sincho (August 31st 1981)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Mera Vaid Guru Gobinda (1981)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Mere Laal Jeo (August 31st 1981)
The following recordings are from various other online sources. Sorry I can’t recall where these were downloaded from.
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Aise Gur Kou Bal Bal Jayiae
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Bhana Manae Maneyae Apna Bhana Aap
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Bhuleyo Mann Maya Urjaayeo
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Ek Bina Mann Naek Na Aanae
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Hamri Ganat Na Ganiya Kayi
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Har Har Jan Doe Ek Hai
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Hum Aadmi Han Ik Dame
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Hum Eh Kaaj Jagat Mo Aye
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Jagat Jot Japae Nis Basur (Raag Todi)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Jap Gobind Gopal Lal
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Main Banda Bey Khareed
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Man Mero Gaj Jehba Meri Kaati
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Mera Baid Guru Gobinda
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Nas Vanjho Kilvikho
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Nasaro Mansoor Gur Gobind Singh
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Praan Ke Bachaiya
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Sabna Sahurae Vanjanaa
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Sun Yaar Hamare Sajan
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Tahee Parkash Hamara Bhayo
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Tum Ho Sab Rajan Ke Raja
The following recordings were obtained by Sahib Singh Bakshi. Please check out his Youtube channel for more wonderful treasures of the past https://www.youtube.com/user/sahibsingh100
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Deenan Ki Pritpal Karey Nit
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Je Ke Aikey Hi Peh Mani
*New Recordings Added – 16th June 2020
Another batch of recordings from 1980.
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Aissey Gur Kou Bal Bal Jayea
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Appey Bahubidh Rangla Sakhea Mera Lal (Alap of Various Raags)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Ek Gharri Dinas Moko Bahut Diharrea
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Gursikh Meet Chalo Gurchali
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Haumey Garab Nivarea Gurmukh Ridey Gareebi Avey
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Jagat Jot Japey Nisbaur Ek Bina Man Nek Na Aanay (Todi)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Jap Man Mere Gobind Ki Bani
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Jeh Tan Bani Bisar Jaye Jion Pakka Rogi Billaye
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Jion Janho Tion Taar Sawami
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Kahey Re Ban Khojan Jayee (Bahaar)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Kavan Gun Pranpat Milo Meri Mayee
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Koyee Jan Har Sion Devey Jorr
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Madho Jal Ki Payas Na Jayea
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Main Ho Param Purakh Ko Dasa
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Meet Karey Soyee Hum Mana (Malkauns)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Meharban Sahib Meharban Sahib Mera Meharban
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Meri Abey Benti Sun Lejehy
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Meri Khaloh Maujrrey Gursikh Handadey
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Nanak Preet Layee Tin Sachey (Jaijavanti – Bilambat Ektala)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Prabh Jio Tu Mero Sahib Data (Sorath)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Pritam Ke Desh Kaiey Batan Sion Jayeea
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Raaj Leela Tere Naam Banayee 1
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Raaj Leela Tere Naam Banayee 2
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Ramdas Sarovar Natey Sabh Utre Pap Kamatey
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Re Man Oat Leho Har Naama
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Satgur Sikh Ki Karey Pritpal
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Sevak Ki Ardaas Piarey
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Shant Payee Gur Satgur Purey (Ahir Bhairo – Ada Choutal -Tintal)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Sun Yaar Hamare Sajjan Ik Karon Benantea
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Thakur Jio Tuharo Parna (Bairagee) – some disturbance
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Tujh Bin Kavan Hamara Mere Pritam Pran Adhara (Bhairavi)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Tum Ho Sabh Rajan Ke Raaja
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Tum Ho Sabh Rajan Ke Raja (Kalyan)
*New Recordings Added – 4th May 2023
The recordings below were kindly contributed by Sardar Chattar Singh Duwa from Bangkok, Thailand.
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 01 Deenan Ki Prithpal (Madhuvanti)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 02 Saavan Aaya Hey Sakhi (Malhar)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 03 Man Ki Man Hi Maye (Ramkali)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 04 Ram Bhaj Ram Bhaj (Gujri Todi)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 05 Aisi Preet Karo Man Mere
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 06 Haun Vaar Vaar Jaon
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 07 Ram Ram Ram Jap (Multani)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 08 Nanak Tina Basant Hai (Patdeep)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 09 Tain Ki Dard Na Aaya
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 10 Pir Dekhan Ki Aas
Kirtan recorded in Flushing Gurdwara, New York in 1984 with Bhai Mohinder Shah Singh ‘Milkhy Ji’ accompanying on tabla. Recordings courtesy of Sahib Singh, grandson of late Bhai Pargat Singh Matharu.
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 01 Keerat Prabh Ki Gao Meri Rasna
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 02 Prabh Jio Tu Mero Sahib Daata
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 03 So Kich Kar Jit Mel Na Laage
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 04 Tehee Parkash Hamara Bhayo
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 05 Jap Man Mere Gobind Ki Bani (Incomplete)
The Shabads below were recorded on Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab at Gurdwara Sahib Bridgewater, New Jersey in 1984. Accompanying Bhai Didar Singh Ji are Bhai Sarabjit Singh (harmonium and vocals), Bhai Pargat Singh Matharu (vocals and tanpura), Bhai Ajit Singh Lutera, Bhaia Sukhdev Singh (tabla) and Bhai Randhir Singh (tanpura). Recording courtesy of Sahib Singh Matharu.
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 01 Tin Bedian Ki Kul Bikhai
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 02 Mat Dekh Bhoola Visre (Incomplete)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 03 Aape Baho Bidh Rangula
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 04 Satgur Nanak Pargateya
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 05 Vichaar & Anand Sahib
The recordings below are from Bhai Didar Singh Ji’s tour to Vancouver, Canada in 1985. These were kindly contributed by Sardar Sukhwant Singh Dhillon.
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 01 Koee Jan Har Sio Devai
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 02 Meri Khalo Mohjde Gursikh
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 03 So Kich Kar Jit Mail
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 04 Kahe Re Ban Khojan
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 05 Meharvaan Sahib Meharvaan
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 06 Naam Japo Mere Saajan Part 1
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 07 Naam Japo Mere Saajan Part 2
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 08 Kavan Gun Praanpat
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 09 Aise Gur Ko Bal Bal
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 10 Prabh Ji Tu Mero Sukhdata
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 11 Pritam Ke Des Kaise Baatan
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 12 Bandna Har Bandna Gun Gaavo
The recordings below are from October 1980. These were recorded in New York by Sardar Nachatar Singh Sahota.
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Bandna Har Bandna (Raag Bhairvi)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Deenan Ki Pritpal Karey Nit (Raag Madhuvanti)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Dhiro Dekh Tumare Ranga (Raag Shankara)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Gur Ramdas Rakho Sarnaye (Raag Ahir Bhairo)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Har Jan Ram Naam Gun Gave (Raag Kalavati)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Haun Vari Mukh Fer Piarey Rag (Raag Marwa)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Jagat Jot Jape Nis Basur (Raag Bhopal Todi)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Kahe Re Ban Khojan Jaye (Raag Bahaar)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Kirat Prabh Ki Gao Meri Rasana (Raag Gunkali)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Koi Jan Har Sion Deve Jorr (Raag Bairagi)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Man Meh Sincho Har Har Naam (Raag Bhairo)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Meet Karey Soi Hum Mana (Raag Malkauns)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Mera Vaid Guru Gobinda (Raag Nat Bhairo)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Mou Laalan Sion Preet Bani
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Prabh Ji Mero Sukh Data (Raag Kalyan)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Pritam Ke Desh Kaise (Raag Bhairvi)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Satgur Ayio Saran Tuhari (Raag Todi)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Se Sanjog Karo Mere Piare (Raag Jaijavanti)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Shant Payee Gur Satgur Pure (Raag Ahir Bhairo)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Thakur Hoye Aap Dayaal (Raag Asavari)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Tum Ho Sabh Rajan Ke Raja (Raag Asa)
Recordings obtained from the YouTube channel ‘Sikhi Guldasta’. Please check out their channel for more recordings.
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Att Preetam Manmohana
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Ghar Baahar Tera Bharvasa
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Gurmati Har Har Bole
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Guru Arjan Vitoh Kurbani
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Har Jan Ram Naam
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Ik Ghadi Dinas Mokao
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Jap Man Mere Gobind Ki Bani
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Kaval Nain Madhurbain (Marwa)
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Koi Jan Har Sion Deve Jor
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Loreendarha Saajan Mera
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Prabh Ji Tu Mero Sukhdata
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – Thakur Hoye Aap Dayaal
A few recordings kindly contributed by Sardar Sarwan Singh Ji Sagoo.
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 01 Thakur Hoi Aap Dayaal
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 02 Koee Jan Har Sio
Bhai Didar Singh Nangal – 03 Kavan Sanjog Milo Prabh
Missing
Maadve Kia Kahiye bharem aisa..jaisa manya hoi na taisa
I don’t think we have that Shabad sung by Bhai Didar Singh Ji. If you have it, it would be greatly appreciated if you could share it. Thank you.
Thank you so much adding the amazing collection of bhai didar singh Ji.
I have asa di waar me playing tabla with the at raag darbar at southall
Gianni Amolak Singh ji and bhai Gurdeep Singh Ji use to set yearly raag darbars
I use to play taal with veer chatter singh ji. In that raag darbar I ask bhai didar singh if I can play table with them and was so blessed to do so
I have the recording if you need it ji
Sarwan Singh khalsa – KENT
You’re most welcome Veerji,
Is that the same Asa Ki Vaar that was sung in 3 parts? 1st part by Bhai Chattar Singh Ji, 2nd by Bhai Sohan Singh Ji Rasia and the last was by Bhai Didar Singh Ji? I will be adding the complete Asa Ki Vaar soon.
This is a great Seva and collections of preserving some epic keertan diwans. My heartfelt gratitude.