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Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana was born on 15th<\/sup> December 1935 in the village of Dalli-Bhogpur in Jalandhar. He was born to Mata Kishan Kaur Ji and Sardar Jagjit Singh Ji. At the age of 5, he was sent to learn basic Gurmukhi from his father\u2019s elder brother who was a Nirmala saint by the name of Sant Parmatma Singh Ji. Sant Parmatma Singh Ji was in charge of one of the \u2018deras\u2019 in Amritsar under the care of Mahant Daya Singh Ji. After learning the basics of Gurmukhi, Diwana Ji attended public school. As this was before the partition, Urdu was being taught in school and once Punjab was divided in 1947, his school shut down. At that time, there was worry that Urdu would not be used anymore and learning it would not have any value in India, so he was sent to the Gurdwara to continue learning Gurmukhi. He was started on \u2018Panj Granthi\u2019 and \u2018Das Granthi\u2019 before proceeding to do \u2018Paath\u2019 from Guru Granth Sahib Ji.<\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Ji belongs to the Ramgharia Sikh community, who are noted for their skills in carpentry and other artisan occupations. His family members were also involved in wood and metal crafts. This led him to follow in their footsteps. However, he kept in frequent company of Sant Parmatma Singh Ji. He would follow Sant Parmatma Singh Ji for Kirtan programs and would accompany Sant Ji on the \u2018dholki\u2019. One day, Sant Parmatma Singh Ji mentioned to Diwana Ji that it was his wish for someone in their family to do Kirtan. This idea became embedded in Diwana Ji\u2019s mind and he then decided to learn Kirtan. In 1952, Diwana Ji went to the village of Nangal, Hoshiarpur to learn Kirtan from the renowned maestro, Prof. Darshan Singh Komal. He spent around one year with Komal Ji and learned approximately 20 Raags from him. During this time, he would also accompany Komal Ji for various Kirtan programs to gain more experience.<\/p>\n After leaving Nangal, he went back home and into his family trade. As he was able to do \u2018Paath\u2019, he would also take part in \u2018Akhand Paaths\u2019 regularly and sing a couple of Shabads during the \u2018Paath da bhog\u2019 ceremony. He became friends with a school teacher. This gentleman would attend the Kirtan programs and then join Diwana Ji for tea and a chat after the programs. One day, he commented that Diwana Ji had a very sweet voice and did beautiful Kirtan. Then he asked, \u201cWhy don\u2019t you do Kirtan full-time?\u201d In those days, most villagers liked to hear explanations and related \u2018Parsangs\u2019 about the Shabads being sung. So, Diwana Ji replied that he had not learned much Punjabi and would not be able to explain well. The teacher told him that it was not too late for him to learn and he could further his studies by attending college. This was a life changing moment for Bhai Raghbir Singh Ji. At this point of time, he was already married with one child. However, he was really keen on the idea and he went to Jalandhar the next day to inquire about college admissions. After finding out about courses in YMS College, he returned home and informed his family of his intentions. His mother was very happy to hear this and she told him that she would support his studies. She gave him a monthly allowance of Rs. 100, which was a large sum at that time. He bought a bicycle with his first allowance and he would cycle 25 kilometers to Jalandhar for his classes. He completed the Budhimani, Vidhwani and Gyani courses in linguistics.<\/p>\n After completing his studies, he found it difficult to secure programs. This led him to continue working as a carpenter. One day, the same teacher who had initially motivated him to study, came to check on him. Diwana Ji told him that nobody knew about him and he was not able to get booked for programs. So, the teacher suggested that he should join a \u2018jatha\u2019 first and make a name for himself before forming his own. With a clear direction now, he joined the \u2018jatha\u2019 of Bhai Sardara Singh Dardi, a popular \u2018Dhadhi\u2019 of his time. Shortly after Diwana Ji joined the \u2018jatha\u2019, they started performing Kirtan. Diwana Ji accompanied Bhai Sardara Singh Dardi for 5 years. During these 5 years, Diwana Ji sent his younger brother, Kirpal Singh to learn music. Kirpal Singh Ji attained a double MA in music and soon after, Diwana Ji formed a \u2018jatha\u2019 with his brothers. His elder brother Nirmal Singh Ji accompanied on the tabla and Kirpal Singh Ji played the tanpura. Shortly after that, they got another tabla player, so Nirmal Singh Ji started accompanying on the side harmonium. Diwana Ji wanted to experiment with something different, so he bought a mandolin and learned from his violinist cousin. Their \u2018jatha\u2019 became quite popular at that time and this resulted in many offers from abroad. As Diwana Ji was adept in Kirtan and \u2018Paath\u2019, many Gurdwaras were requesting him to fill the role of resident Granthi and Kirtani. He received offers from Afghanistan and Singapore, but he did not take those up. Later, he received an offer from London and as his permit was approved and he was ready to leave, fate took a different turn.<\/p>\n One day, he was invited to perform the Anand Karaj ceremony of a young couple. The groom and his family were from Kenya. They were very impressed by him and they offered to arrange for him to work in Kenya. He told them that his permit for the United Kingdom (UK) was already approved and he was planning to move there. However, they insisted that he visit for a few months at least, before going to the UK. He agreed to this, and left for Nairobi, Kenya in 1971. Months turned to years and as fate would have it, he lived in Nairobi for 26 years. He served as a Granthi at the Ramgharia Gurdwara in Pangani. However, he also travelled to other parts of Africa such as Tanzania, Zambia etc. for Kirtan programs. He has also travelled to the United States and United Kingdom. In 1982, he returned temporarily to his village in Bhogpur to build a house for retirement and then went back to Nairobi. He moved back to India permanently in 1997, and currently lives in his house in Bhogpur, Jalandhar.<\/p>\n Diwana Ji is the second out of four brothers. His eldest brother, Nirmal Singh Ji has passed away. The third sibling, Sarup Singh Ji has retired from teaching and is currently based in the United States. His youngest brother, Kirpal Singh served as a professor of music, but is also now retired and teaches music from his home.<\/p>\n Diwana Ji has four sons and his elder two are living with him in Punjab. Another son lives in London and one of his sons is the world-famous Punjabi musician, Sukhbir Singh, who is now based in Dubai. Diwana Ji used to travel regularly to Africa for Kirtan programs before the covid-19 pandemic hit. Since then, he does Kirtan in nearby cities and villages. His son, Rajinder Singh Ji accompanies him on tabla. Diwana Ji has also taught Kirtan to many people over the years, including Veer Manpreet Singh from the UK. Another of his students, Satnam Singh used to travel from Zambia to India to learn Kirtan from him.<\/p>\n If anyone has more recordings of Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana to share, please contact us.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The recordings below are from a program in Nairobi, Kenya on 23rd June 1972. Recordings courtesy of Bhai Harbans Singh Suraj. Please ‘right click’ and ‘save link as’ to download audio files. Enjoy!<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 01 Prem Lago Har Teer<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 02 Maan Karo Tudh Oopre<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 03 Thakur Binti Karo (Bhairo)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 04 Dhan So Vela Jit Darshan Karna<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – 05 Apne Satgur Ke Balhare<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The Asa Di Vaar below is a live recording from 2001. This Asa Di Vaar was obtained from one of Diwana Ji’s Soundcloud pages which can be accessed by clicking ‘here’<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Asa Di Vaar part 1<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Asa Di Vaar part 2<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Asa Di Vaar part 3<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Asa Di Vaar part 4<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Asa Di Vaar part 5<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Asa Di Vaar part 6<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Asa Di Vaar part 7<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Asa Di Vaar part 8<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The large batch of recordings below were also obtained from a few of Diwana Ji’s accounts on Soundcloud. Those accounts can be accessed by clicking ‘here’<\/a> and ‘here’<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Aad Gur Eh Name<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Aagai Paashhai<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Aaisi Maang Gobind Te<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Aarti<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Aawo Sikh Satguru Ke Pyaro<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Ai Guru Gobind Singh<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Aisa Jog Kamavoh<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Aisa Kirtan Kar Man Mere<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Aisi Dikhya<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Aisi Kirpa Mohe Karo<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Amrit Bani Har Har Teri<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Amrit Bani Har Har Teri 2<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Amrit Wela (kavita)<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Apne Har Pe Benti Kahiye<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Asein Khate Bahut<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Awall Allah Noor Upaaya<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Baani Parheya Karo<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Balhaar<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Bandna Har Bandna<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Bediyian<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Bhi Teri Kimat<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Chopai<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Darshan Maango<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Darthi Nu<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Dasam Pita<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Daya Karo<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Dehey Shiva Var Mohe<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Doye Kar Jorh Karron Ardaas<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Eih Baenanthee<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Gholi Jeeyo Ghol Gumai<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Gobind Nika Jeha<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Guna Ka Hove<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Gur Ka Darshan<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Gur Ke Charan<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Gur Ke Charan Kamal Mann Dhyave<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Gursikha<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Gursikh Meet Chalo Gur Chali<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Gursikha Sabaas Janam Sawaraya<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Har Ka Naam<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Har Kae Charan Jap<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Har Ko Naam Sada Sukhdai<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Har Pase Mahaek<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Hau Vaar Vaar<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Hey Gobind Hey Gopal<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Hey Gobind Hey Gopal 2<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Houn Kurban<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Ja Kay Ridhey Baso<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Ja Tu Mere Wal Hai<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Japji Sahib<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Jin Prem Kio<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Jio Bhaavai<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Jo Mange Thakur<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Jog Juggat Gursikh<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Jyon Bhaave Tyon Mohe Pritpal<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Kahe Re Bann Khojan Jai<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Keeta Lodhiye<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Ke Zahar Zahoor Hai<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Kirpa Karo Deen Ke Daate<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Kirtan Nirmolak Heera<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Kirtan Sohila<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Koi Aan Milave Mera Pritam Pyara<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Koi Bole Ram Ram<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Laal Aiya Nee<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Laal Rang<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Lakh Khusiyan<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Maadho Hum Aise Too Aisaa<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Main Banjaran Ram Ki<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mann Kahan Labahiye Aan Ko<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mann Mere Gur Pura Salaah<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mehma Sadhu Sang<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mein Banda Be Kharid Sach Sahib Mera<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mein Nahin Prabh Sabh Kish Tera<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mein Pekhiyo Ree Uncha Mohan<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mein Prabh Milan Prem Man Aasa<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mere Laal Jiyo<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mere Mann Gur Gur Gur Sad Kariye<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mere Mann Mukh Har Har Boliye<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mere Mann Ram Naam<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mere Ram Har Jan Ke<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mere Ram Har Santa<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mila Hai Ye Insani Jeevan<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Mohe Anath<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Nanak Ke Hein Ehsaan<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Nasro Manzur<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Nau Nid Amrit Prabh<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Nirgun Raakh Liya<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Nirjur Niroop Ho<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – O Nimo Bhagwant Gusaeen<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Prabh Ju To Ke Laaj<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Prabh Keeje<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Pritpal Parbh Kirpal Kavan Gunn Ganni<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Raakha Ek Hamara Sawami<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Raakh Pita Prabh Mere<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Rab Milega Zaroor Rakh Dil Che Yakeen<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Ram Naam Rang Jaga<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Re Man Aiso<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Re Man Ot Liheo<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Rehras Sahib<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sa Sewa Saffal<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Saach Keho Sun Laehu<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sabh Dhan Kaho<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sabh Sees Niva Ardas Karo<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sadaa Sadaa Japiye Har Naam<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sadho Eh Man<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sadho Man Ka Maan Tiago<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sajjan Mainda Chaiya<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sahib Mera Meett Na Maan<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Santho Sukh Hoaa Sabh Thhaaee<\/a><\/p>\n Bhai Raghbir Singh Diwana – Sat Guru Nanak Pargatia<\/a><\/p>\n