Bhai Kanchan Singh (Delhi)

 

 

Bhai Kanchan Singh Ji was a respected Raagi of the Delhi Sikh community. He was born into the household of Bhai Lal Singh Digpal and Mata Pyar Kaur Digpal. Coming from a distinguished lineage of Raagis, with both his father and grandfather devoted to Kirtan, Bhai Sahib naturally continued their legacy.

He served as Head Raagi with the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), and was often accompanied by his younger brother, Bhai Jang Singh, on the side harmonium. Together, they performed Kirtan both in India and internationally, including in the USA, Canada, the UK, and Singapore.

In his later years, his sons also joined him in Kirtan. Harwinder Singh accompanied him on the side harmonium and Sukhwinder Singh on tabla. Tragically, both later passed away. In the final years, his youngest son Gurwinder Singh accompanied him on the side harmonium, while Sukhwinder Singh’s son continued the family tradition by accompanying on tabla.

Renowned for his melodious voice, Bhai Sahib’s Kirtan left a lasting impact on the Sangat. He passed away in the year 2014, leaving behind cherished recordings through which he continues to be remembered.

This information was shared by his nephew, Bhai Satvinder Singh Digpal.

 

Kirtan on 9th August 1980 in conjunction with Parkash Purab of Shri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji. Recordings were done in Toronto by a Kirtan Premi who wishes to be anonymous. Please ‘right click’ and ‘save link as’ to download audio files. Enjoy!

Bhai Kanchan Singh (Delhi) – 01 Saavan Aaya Hey Sakhi (Malhar)

Bhai Kanchan Singh (Delhi) – 02 Barse Megh Sakhi Ghar Pahun Aaye

Bhai Kanchan Singh (Delhi) – 03 Har Jio Nimaanian Tu Maan

Bhai Kanchan Singh (Delhi) – 04 Sabh Gaavo Gun Gobind Hare

Bhai Kanchan Singh (Delhi) – 05 Jiare Olha Naam Ka (Incomplete)

 

The next few Shabads were recorded and kindly contributed by Dr. Manjit Singh Hunjin. In these recordings, Bhai Prem Singh is accompanying on tabla. Bhai Prem Singh used to play tabla with the jatha of Bhai Surjan Singh Ji and Bhai Arjan Singh Ji Matharu. Dr. Manjit Singh Hunjin is a very talented artist. To view his artwork, please follow his Instagram page ‘AmsimeetArt’.

Bhai Kanchan Singh (Delhi) – Lakh Khushiyan Patshaiyaan

Bhai Kanchan Singh (Delhi) – Sabh Gaavo Gun Gobind Hare

Bhai Kanchan Singh (Delhi) – Sham Sundar Taj Neend Kyon Ayi

 

Jaap Sahib & Anand Sahib released by Inreco in 1977 (Record number – 2442 5016).

Bhai Kanchan Singh (Delhi) – 01 Jaap Sahib

Bhai Kanchan Singh (Delhi) – 02 Anand Sahib