Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj (UK)

Bhai Harbans Singh Ji was born on the 12th of August 1950 in Alwar, Rajasthan. His father, Sant Baba Ajit Singh Ji was originally from the Sindh region which is now in Pakistan. Baba Ajit Singh Ji served as an officer in the police force but he was also an expert harmonium and tabla player. He has played tabla with many prominent singers and saints in Sindh, such as Sant Kanwar Ram Ji, Satou Bhagat, Motan Bhagat, Prahlad Bhagat, Sant Dandu Ram and Tilly Bai Ji. He has also accompanied Bibi Mansha Kaur Ji who was married to the renowned taar shehnai maestro, Bhai Piara Singh Ji. Having been born into such an atmosphere, Bhai Harbans Singh Ji naturally began learning music from a very young age. He was initiated into music by his father and then went on to learn the intricacies of classical music from the late Maharaj Mool Chand Ji from Bhilwara. He also learned from Master Navrang Chand Ji and Mr. Shobha Ram Ji from Bhilwara. Aside from these maestros, he was also heavily influenced by Bhai Gurmukh Singh Suraj from Kota, who was a close friend and mentor to him. In honour of his late mentor, Bhai Harbans Singh Ji adapted the title ‘Suraj’.

Bhai Harbans Singh Ji’s first musical performance was in 1956 at the age of 6. Along with his music education, he also went on to complete his formal education. After high school, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Rajasthan. He served with the late Giani Sant Singh Ji Maskeen for many years and accompanied him on many tours. Following Maskeen Ji’s advice, he served on the side harmonium with Bhai Kalyan Singh Ji (Lucknow wale) for many years. During their time together, they toured Afghanistan, the US and England. In 1981, Bhai Harbans Singh Ji migrated to the UK and became a British citizen. He has been serving the ‘Sangat’ of UK and other parts of Europe since then.

He is fluent in many languages including Punjabi, Hindi, Guaarki, Sindhi, Urdu and English. He uses this skill to his advantage to join members of the Sangat from various communities with the ‘Shabad’ of our Gurus. Being from the Guaar community (root from Suryavanshi Rajput), he has heavily contributed to the development of the Guaarki language and history. Bhai Harbans Singh Ji developed the writing system for the Guaarki language consisting of 52 alphabets. He has also written several books on the Guaar community consisting of their history, language and poetry. Apart from that, he was trained in classical music and he is adept at performing in various rare Raags and Taals. He has created over 6000 compositions and has performed on various television and radio channels including TV Asia, Zee TV, Vectone TV, DM Digital TV and BBC Radio. He has recorded ‘Mool Mantar’ in 56 languages and was appreciated by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles for this effort. One of his unique qualities is his interest in collecting Kirtan recordings, antiques and world bank notes. He has a vast collection of recordings and is one of my main inspirations to start the ‘Kirtan Sewa’ channel on Youtube and this website as well.

Bhai Harbans Singh Ji is the oldest of seven siblings, and his youngest brother, Bhai Jogender Singh Jogi accompanies him regularly on tabla. Bhai Jogender Singh Ji was born on 1st January 1968 and their duo is popularly known as the jatha of ‘Suraj-Jogi’. Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj got married to Sardarni Bhagwant Kaur Ji on 26th November 1972 and they are blessed with three daughters and one son. If anyone has more recordings of Bhai Harbans Singh Ji Suraj, please contact us.

The following Shabads were contributed by Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj. Most of these were recorded in England in the 1980s. Please ‘right click’ and ‘save link as’ to download audio files. Enjoy!

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 01 Har Har Jan (Bhatiyar)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 02 Hey Rav Hey Sas (Marwa)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 03 Sun Sakhiye

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 04 Tu Tu Karta (Chandra Bahadur) – Yogesh Samsi (tabla)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 05 Priya Preet (Madhukauns)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 06 Tohe Charan (Madhuvanti)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 07 Dekh Phool Phoole (Basant)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 08 Raaj Na Chaahun

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 09 Manmohan Mero (Malhar)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 10 Sun Sakhiye

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 11 Basant Chadeya (Basant)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 12 Aaj More Aaye (Bilaskhani Todi)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 13 Deenan Ki Pritpal (Sarang)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 14 Mayee Main Dhan Payo (1982 India)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 15 Deho Sandesro (Guldasta – Partal)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 16 Dhan Dhan Hamare Bhaag (Ragheshree)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 17 Ek Ratee Bin

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 18 Haun Reh Na Sakaan (Bhairvi)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 19 Haun Dhoodendi Sajna (Todi)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 20 Main Banjaran Ram Ki

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 21 Mauli Dharti (Guldasta)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 22 Preet Man Lagi (Gorakh Kalyan)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 23 So Kat Jaane (Bairagi)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 24 Swami Saran Pareyo Darbare

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 25 Thakur Tum Sarnai (Marwa)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 26 Waheguru Tera Sabh Sadka (Malkauns)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 27 Bhujbal Bir (Kedara)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 28 Mohe Anaath (Bhairo)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 29 Deho Sandesro (Bhimpalasi)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 30 Raaj Na Chahun (Bhatiyar – 1985)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 31 Sadho Man Ka Maan (Bahaar)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 32 Shyam Sundar Taj Neend Kyon Ayee

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 33 Soye Rahee Prabh (Guldasta)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 34 Ghan Garjat (Megh)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 35 Je Too Vatahe (Sarang)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 36 Jagat Guru Gur Nanak (Kedara)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 37 Karo Benanti Suno (Darbari)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 38 At Preetam Manmohana (Bageshree)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 39 Saach Kaho Sun Leho (Suraj Jyoti)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 40 Sachiyaar Sikh Baithe

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 41 Saajan Tere Charan Ki (Chandra Bahadur)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 42 Tu Tu Karta (Bilaskhani Todi)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 43 Hey Rav Hey Sas

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 44 Mil Mere Preetma Jio

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 45 Kewal Kaal Hi Kartar (Bhatiyar)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 46 Namo Chandra Chandre

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 47 Ulahano Main Kahun (Nat Narayan)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 48 Dhan Dhan Hamare Bhaag (Ragehsree)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 49 Hamari Piari Amritdhari (Pooriya)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 50 Hale Yaara Hale Yaara

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 51 Kat Jaiye Re (Basant Bahar)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 52 Mauli Dhartee (Basant Bahar)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 53 Preet Man Laagi (Gorakh Kalyan)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 54 So Kich Kar (Dhani)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 55 Sun Sakhiye Prabh

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 56 Aise Logan Sion

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 57 Lakhi Na Jayee Nanak Leela (Madhuvanti)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 58 Mat Bhoole Re Man (Basant)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 59 Rasna Japti Tuhi Tuhi (Hussaini)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 60 Hamari Pyari Amritdhari (Pooriya)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 61 Haun Dhoodendi Sajna (Todi)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 62 Kal Taaran Gur Nanak Aaya (Bahar)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 63 Madhur Madhur Dhun (Lalit)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 64 Sadh Sangat Mil Amritvela (Ahir Bhairo)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 65 Ghan Garjat (Megh)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 66 Rain Babeeha Boleyo (Bhatiyar)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 67 Haun Apradhi Gunhegar (Peelu)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 68 Shyam Kahe Tum Hi (Puriya Pahari)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 69 Dhan Dhan Hamare Bhag

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 70 Hawaye Bandagi (Bhai Nand Lal Ghazal)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 71 Kanwal Nain Madhurbain (Darbari)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 72 Aaj More Aaye (Gujri)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 73 Amrit Vele Boleya

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 74 Haun Kurbane Jaon (Sarang)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 75 Man Na Rahe Kaise

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 76 Tohi Mohi Mohi Tohi (Sriraag)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 77 Ulaahano Main Kahun Na

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 78 Mil Mere Preetma Jio

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 79 Hey Gobind Hey Gopal (Sorath)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 80 Deho Sandesro

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 81 Ek Gharee Adhi Gharee (Bhairvi)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 82 Yaq Arz Guftam (Yogesh Samsi – tabla)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 83 Mou Laalan Sion Preet Bani

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 84 Nai Taradi Raati (Bhai Gurdas Ji)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 85 Ba Hosh Baash (Basant)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 86 Ram Ramat Sabh Ghat

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 87 Har Bin Jio Jal Bal Jao (Sriraag)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 88 Dhan Eho Thaan

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 89 Haun Dhoodendi Sajna (Todi)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 90 Neeki Teri Bigari

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 91 Jogiya Matwaro Re

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 92 Sa Dhartee Bhayee

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 93 Guru Nanak Satgur (Ahir Bhairo)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 94 Ram Ramo Vadhbhagiyo

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 95 Jisno Saajan Raakhsi

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 96 Mero Sundar Kaho Mile

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 97 Hey Gobind Hey Gopal (Malhar)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 98 Pyare In Bidh Milan

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 99 Sant Janaa Mil Har Jas

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 100 Daas Gobind Ka (Gujri)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 101 Tu Chau Sajan Mendeya (Marwa)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 102 Aape Har Ik

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 103 Aavaho Sajna Houn Dekha

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 104 Baba Bolte Te Kahan Gaye

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 105 Barse Megh Sakhi

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 106 Bhajaho Gobind Bhool Mat Jao

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 107 Bhalo Bhalo Re Kirtaniya

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 108 Bhavan Suhaavra

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 109 Bisar Gayee Sabh Taat Parayee

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 110 Chit Na Bhayo

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 111 Hai Kou Aiso Hamra Meet

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 112 Hamare Eh Kirpa Keeje

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 113 Haq Parivaar (Farsi Ghazal)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 114 Har Jas Re Manaa

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 115 Har Kiyan Katha Kahaniyan

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 116 Jhakar Jhaangi Miho Varse

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 117 Jis Ke Sir Upar Tu Swami

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 118 Bolo Sach Naam Kartar

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 119 Rehni Rahe Soi Sikh Mera

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 120 Mokao Tu Na Bisaar

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 121 Houn Kurbane Jaon

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 122 Eho Baani Jo

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 123 Ja Ke Simran Sabh Kich

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 124 Jab Te Darshan

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 125 Jaaye Basaho

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 126 Jyon Jaano Tion Raakh

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 127 Jion Jion Tera Hukam

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 128 Kirpa Karo Deen Ke Daate

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 129 Kahan Nar

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 130 Koi Nao Na Jaane Mera

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 131 Laila Majnu Aashqui

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 132 Main Banjaran Ram Ki

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 133 Poota Maata Ki Asees

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 134 Nanak Naam Mile Ta Jeeva

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 135 Patna Shehar Vikhe

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 136 Peer Mureedan

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 137 Aape Mel Laye

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 138 Baba Bolna Kya Kahiye

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 139 Beg Milaho Jan

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 140 Bhalo Bhalo Re

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 141 Bhikhari Te Raj Karave

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 142 Dhan Jiyo Tai Ko Jag Meh

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 143 Ganga Jal Gur Gobind Naam

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 144 Ghar Mandir Hat Naal Sohe

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 145 Namo Chandar Chandre

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 146 Nit Upkaar Kare

The following cassette was contributed by Dr. Tarlochan Kaur from Malaysia.

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 01 Jogiya Matwaro Re

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 02 Vaid Bulaya Vaidgi

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 03 Na Hum Hindu Na Musalmaan

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 04 Mul Kharidi Lala Gola (Incomplete)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 05 Sajan Tere Charan Ki

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 06 Sajna Santo Aao Mere

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 07 Tu Meri Sobha

The recordings below are from Suraj Ji’s tour to Malaysia in 2012. During this tour, he stayed at our residence and most of these Shabads were recorded at home.

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 01 – Pir Dekhan Ki Aas Piare (Raag Gunkali)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 02 – Houn Reh Na Sakan

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 03 – Baba Aakhe Hajiya

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 04 – Abh Ki Baar Baksh Bande Ko

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 05 – Shankar Mouleyo Jog Dhian (Raag Hindol)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 06 – Kinhi Banjeya Kansi Taamba

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 07 – Razi Hoye Razaye Vich

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 08 – Assan Bhi Othe Jana

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 09 – Satgur Tumre Kaaj Savare

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 10 – Ramaiya Houn Barik Tera

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 11 – Mouli Dharti (Partaal & Guldasta)

Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj – 12 – Guru Ramdas Rakho Sarnai