Hazoori Raagis – Sri Bhaini Sahib

Harbans Singh Ghulla – Hazuri Ragi

Harbans Singh Ghulla Ji is a highly respected devotional singer (Hazuri Ragi), closely associated with Sri Bhaini Sahib—the spiritual and cultural heart of the Namdhari Sikh community. Renowned for his soulful renditions of Gurbani Kirtan, he carries forward the Namdhari tradition of preserving and nurturing classical Indian music as a medium of spiritual expression. Deeply inspired by his father, Ragi Dharsan Singh, the distinguished Hazuri Ragi of Sri Bhaini Sahib, he continues to uphold and enrich this revered musical legacy.

Among the hazoori raagis, Harbans Singh Ghulla holds an esteemed position, carrying forward the teachings and traditions of gurmat kirtan.

Beyond his artistry, he is cherished for his humility, respectfulness, and comforting presence within the Namdhari sangat (congregation). Through live performances, recordings, and his mentoring of younger musicians, he ensures that the Namdhari musical tradition remains vibrant and relevant in contemporary Sikh devotional practice.

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Raagi Balwant Singh spearheads the current Hazoori Raagis Jatha (Contingent) at Sri Bhaini Sahib.

Born and raised in Sri Bhaini Sahib, a historic and spiritual village in Ludhiana, Punjab. Music entered his life early—at just eight years old—when, with the blessings of His Holiness Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji, he began his formal training under the loving guidance of Bibi Narinder Kaur Ji and his maternal uncle, S. Mohan Singh Ji.

From those humble beginnings, Balwant Singh’s path soon led him to Ustad Harbhajan Singh Ji, a disciple of the celebrated Jaipur Gharana maestro, the late Pandit Mahadev Prasad Ji (Rathak). With him, he delved deep into the treasures of classical tradition, learning not only intricate bandishes of the Jaipur Gharana but also timeless Gurbani compositions that would forever shape his musical voice.

Recognizing his extraordinary potential, Sri Satguru Ji entrusted him to the legendary sitar virtuoso, the late Ustad Vilayat Hussain Khan Sahib. This was a turning point in his journey—an immersion into a world where he had the rare privilege of learning directly from Khan Sahib’s own compositions, absorbing the wisdom and artistry of a true master.

Balwant Singh’s musical horizons continued to expand when he took up the Santoor under Ustad Harjinderpal Singh Ji, senior disciple of the iconic Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma. Each new phase of his training layered his art with depth, subtlety, and versatility.

Yet, beyond all formal training, Balwant Singh considers his greatest fortune to be the blessings of Sri Satguru Ji himself. Under Satguru Ji’s guidance, he inherited Dhrupad and Khayal compositions that had been passed down from Ustad Udho Khan Sahib and Ustad Rahim Baksh Ji of the Talwandi Gharana. He also absorbed rare and traditional Gurbani compositions that Satguru Ji had preserved from Ustad Harnam Singh Ji “Chawinde Wale” and Bhai Taba Ji, the Rababi. These teachings became the soul of his music.

In 2002, the Government of Punjab recognized his dedication by awarding him a Certificate of Merit in Indian Classical Music. Since then, his journey has taken him to the grand stages of prestigious Sangeet Sammelans across India. One of the defining moments of his career came when Ustad Zakir Hussain personally invited him to perform at the Barsi of Ustad Allah Rakha Khan Sahib in Mumbai—a stage where legends are remembered and celebrated.

Balwant Singh’s music has since resonated across the world. From the USA and UK to Canada, Ireland, UAE, Thailand, Africa, and Europe, he has carried the rich traditions of Punjab and Indian classical music to audiences far and wide, leaving listeners moved, inspired, and deeply connected.

Harpreet Singh Namdhari (Sonu) – tabla virtuoso.

Born in Gwalior, where his journey into the world of rhythm began at a young age. Drawn to the tabla early in life, he received his first training under the guidance of the late Pt. Narayan Prasad Raton of Gwalior. Recognizing his natural talent, Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji, the spiritual head of the Namdhari sect, blessed him and encouraged him to continue his pursuit of excellence. He was then sent to study under the esteemed tutelage of the late Pandit Ramji Mishra (son of the legendary Pt. Anokhe Lal Mishra) of the Banaras gharana.

Harpreet also became a ganda bandh disciple of Pt. Krishna Rao Pandit Ji of the Gwalior gharana, further enriching his training. He went on to graduate in tabla from Khairagarh University, Madhya Pradesh, firmly establishing his academic as well as artistic foundation.

His style of playing is marked by liveliness, delicacy, sweetness, and the clarity of intricate relas. Over the years, Harpreet has shared the stage with some of the greatest legends of Indian classical music, including Ustad Vilayat Khan Sahib, Pt. Rajan and Sajan Mishra, among many others.

He has been featured in prestigious music festivals such as the Sri Satguru Partap Singh Sangeet Sammelan, the Baba Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan, and the Tansen Sangeet Sammelan. A highlight of his career was his performance at the Guru Poornima Utsav in Mumbai, where he played in the august presence of maestros like Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma, Ustad Sultan Khan, and Pt. Dhruv Ghosh.

Beyond India, Harpreet Singh has captivated audiences across the U.S.A., U.K., Europe, Thailand, Africa, and Canada, carrying forward the timeless tradition of Indian classical music with grace and devotion.