Bhai Manjit Singh (Hazoori Raagi Amritsar)

Bhai Manjit Singh Ji is a renowned exponent of Gurmat Sangeet, widely respected and loved for his deep, melodious voice. He served as a Hazoori Raagi at Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, for nearly four decades and continues to perform there occasionally after his retirement, while also traveling abroad to share Kirtan with the Sangat.

He was born on 6^th January 1954, at Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib, Patiala, into a family deeply rooted in Kirtan. His father, Bhai Piara Singh Ji, was a well-known Kirtani who served as Hazoori Raagi at the same Gurdwara at the time of Bhai Manjit Singh’s birth. His mother was Bibi Harnam Kaur Ji. Bhai Piara Singh had learned Kirtan from the great Sant Sujan Singh Ji. Prior to that, while he was still living in Pakistan, he had learned the basics of music from a Muslim Ustad. Bhai Piara Singh Ji’s style was influenced by legendary Raagis like Bhai Samund Singh, Bhai Santa Singh, and Sant Sujan Singh.

Growing up in the Gurdwara compound, Bhai Manjit Singh was surrounded by the sounds of Kirtan from an early age. He would often sit and listen as his father practiced at home, which sparked his interest in music. His father played a central role in his musical training, teaching him at home without the need for external instruction. Bhai Manjit Singh recalls sitting beside his father, who would sing and play the Dilruba while training his sons. While pursuing his passion for Kirtan, he also completed his B.A. (Part 2) before fully dedicating himself to music.

Bhai Manjit Singh Ji is blessed with five siblings; four brothers and one sister. All five sons of Bhai Piara Singh Ji were blessed with the gift of Kirtan. The five brothers are Bhai Jaswant Singh, Bhai Satbir Singh, Bhai Jagdeep Singh, Bhai Jagtar Singh, and Bhai Manjit Singh. At various points, Bhai Jaswant Singh, Bhai Satbir Singh, and Bhai Manjit Singh have served as Hazoori Raagis at Harmandir Sahib.

Bhai Manjit Singh began performing Kirtan as a side harmonium player and vocalist alongside his elder brother Bhai Jaswant Singh. His father had trained his sons with the intention that they would continue serving at Harmandir Sahib after his retirement, which they fulfilled. In 1976, Bhai Jaswant Singh formed a jatha with his brothers, and Bhai Manjit Singh later established his own. Bhai Manjit Singh continued to perform Kirtan at Harmandir Sahib until his retirement in 2014. However, he still remains active and continues to uplift Sangat in India and abroad with his soulful Kirtan.

The Asa Ki Vaar below was recorded at the Gandhi Residence on 8th July 2018. This was recorded and kindly contributed by Sardar Didar Singh Chana and family. Please ‘right click’ and ‘save link as’ to download audio files. Enjoy!

Bhai Manjit Singh (Amtritsar) – 01 Dhan So Vela Jit Darshan Karna (Asa – Kerhwa)

Bhai Manjit Singh (Amtritsar) – 02 Asa Ki Vaar 1

Bhai Manjit Singh (Amtritsar) – 03 Meri Preet Meri Preet (Asa Pahari – Kerhwa)

Bhai Manjit Singh (Amtritsar) – 04 Asa Ki Vaar 2

Bhai Manjit Singh (Amtritsar) – 05 Saajna Sant Aao (Ahir Bhairo – Teentaal)

Bhai Manjit Singh (Amtritsar) – 06 Asa Ki Vaar 3

Bhai Manjit Singh (Amtritsar) – 07 Tu Mere Pita (Pahari – Kerhwa)

Bhai Manjit Singh (Amtritsar) – 08 Asa Ki Vaar 4

Bhai Manjit Singh (Amtritsar) – 09 Tere Bharosae Piyar (Sohni – Kerhwa)

Bhai Manjit Singh (Amtritsar) – 10 Asa Ki Vaar 5

Bhai Manjit Singh (Amtritsar) – 11 Chad Singhasan Har Ji Aye (Asawari – Kerhwa)

Bhai Manjit Singh (Amtritsar) – 12 Asa Ki Vaar 6

Bhai Manjit Singh (Amtritsar) – 13 Dithay Sabhe Thaav (Asa – Teentaal)

Bhai Manjit Singh (Amtritsar) – 14 Anandh Sahib

Bhai Manjit Singh (Amtritsar) – 15 Hukam Nama

The Shabad below sung in ‘Raag Nat Bhairav’ was kindly contributed by Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj.

Bhai Manjit Singh (Amtritsar) – Hey Gobind (Raag Nat Bhairav)

The recordings below are from a house program. These were obtained from the ‘‘Experience Sikhi’ page on SoundCloud.

Bhai Manjit Singh (Amritsar) – 01 Jan Ko Prabh Sange Asnehu

Bhai Manjit Singh (Amritsar) – 02 Puta Mata Kee Asees

Bhai Manjit Singh (Amritsar) – 03 Dhan Dhan Ramdaas Gur

Bhai Manjit Singh (Amritsar) – 04 Apunae Satgur Kai Balihaarai

Bhai Manjit Singh (Amritsar) – 05 Jaa Tu Mere Val Hai

The recordings below are from Bhai Manjit Singh Ji’s Kirtan at Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar and are arranged according the dates of the programs. These recordings were contributed by Veer Damanjit Singh and Gagan Singh Kler. Both brothers run the ‘ws3ks3‘ channel on YouTube. Please check out their channel for more treasures.

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