Bhai Sahib Nirmal Singh Ji Khalsa

One small step for man and a giant leap for mankind is how Neil Armstrong had summed up his first step on the surface of moon about four decades ago. This week, the sangat at Winnipeg was joined by Bhai Nirmal Singh ji Khalsa, Hazoori raagi Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar for a week long recitation of kirtan. Winnipeg, as we all know, is fortunate to have excellent proponents of kirtan doing service at the local gurdwaras. But sangat has always missed the opportunity to hear great classical kirtan singers who would normally visit Vancouver or Toronto for a short trip. Ironically, the East Indian population in Winnipeg does not miss an opportunity to invite/host film singers, gazhal singers, actors and even comics but had not warmed up to the concept of inviting renowned kirtan jathas to the city.

First two days of the diwaan, and there was no place to sit as we had capacity turnouts to hear Bhai sahib recite bani. One always wonders at the great wisdom of the Guru Sahiban who composed Guru Granth Sahib and wrote the shabads in ragaas (31; although raagmala has many more listed but we would not go there). Singing of the hymns makes it such a lovely experience and if you have one of the great classical proponents reciting the hymns, it only adds to the flavor.

As we move on, it is hoped the sangat would support this endeavour and we are able to bring more revered kirtan singers to the city in future.