{"id":212405,"date":"2025-09-18T14:43:33","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T13:43:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kukasikhs.com\/kukasikhs-wp\/?page_id=212405"},"modified":"2025-09-18T15:00:47","modified_gmt":"2025-09-18T14:00:47","slug":"obituary","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/kukasikhs.com\/kukasikhs-wp\/?page_id=212405","title":{"rendered":"Obituary"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ustaad Harbhajan Singh, one of the most revered exponents of Gurbani Kirtan Parampara and the senior-most figure in the Namdhari community, passed away on August 20, 2025. Born in 1945 in Kujjar village in Sheikhupura district of western Punjab (now in Pakistan), he dedicated his life to preserving, teaching, and performing Gurbani Sangeet, leaving behind a legacy that bridges centuries of Punjab\u2019s rich musical heritage.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"The teams at kukasikhs.com<\/strong> and namdhari-world.com<\/strong> were truly honored and privileged to have been blessed with the sangat of Ustad Harbhajan Singh Ji. Between 2008 and 2018, during his visits to the United Kingdom, we were graced with the rare opportunity to record his live kirtan performances. <\/span>These recordings were lovingly preserved and shared through our platforms, enabling the wider Sangat across the world to experience the spiritual bliss of his divine kirtan. The UK Sangat, in particular, was especially fortunate to have experienced his presence during those years.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Ustad Ji\u2019s soul-stirring kirtan left an everlasting impression, uplifting hearts and minds, and his legacy continues to resonate through the recordings that remain a cherished treasure for generations to come. <\/span>Below, we have assembled playlists from our collection<\/strong> for the Sangat to listen, reflect, and be inspired by his timeless seva.<\/span><\/em>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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A disciple of great masters including Shri Tara Singh, Maharaj Bir Singh Namdhari, and Pandit Mahadev Prasad Kathak, Harbhajan Singh emerged as one of the last vital links to the traditional Gurbani Kirtan and Dhrupad-Dhamar traditions. Under the guidance of Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji and tutelage from maestros such as Sarod legend Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, he developed an eclectic and unparalleled repertoire of rare Gurbani and classical compositions.<\/span> Unlike many of his contemporaries, Ustaad Harbhajan Singh dedicated himself to teaching, nurturing an entire generation of Gurbani kirtaniyas who today carry forward the tradition he so passionately upheld. Among his distinguished disciples are Hazoori Raagis Baljit Singh, Mohan Singh, Sukhdev Singh, Harbans Singh Ghulla, Balwant Singh, and countless others. His role as a mentor ensured that the Namdhari community and the wider Sikh musical world remained deeply connected to authentic Gurbani Sangeet.<\/span> A tireless ambassador of Sikh devotional music, he performed and taught across India and internationally, sharing his art in the UK, USA, Canada, Kenya, and Thailand. His artistry was recognized with India\u2019s prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2010 for his monumental contribution to Gurbani Sangeet. In 2014, he collaborated with Ustad Amjad Ali Khan on the acclaimed album \u201cGurbani: Songs of Divine Wisdom,\u201d further widening the reach of sacred Sikh music.<\/span> For decades, Harbhajan Singh embodied the soul of Gurbani Kirtan \u2014 not only as a performer of profound depth but also as a tireless teacher who inspired thousands of students and devotees. His loss leaves an irreplaceable void in the world of classical and devotional music.<\/span><\/p>\n

He will be remembered as a stalwart custodian of Punjab\u2019s musical tradition, a beloved teacher, and an artist whose voice carried divine wisdom across borders.<\/span><\/p>\n

kukasikhs.com<\/span>
\nnamdhari-world.com<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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