Latest news with #Kavishri
Indian Express
30-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
With Pak not an option, Maharaja Ranjit Singh's death anniversary marked at Summer Palace
Under the patronage of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) organised a special religious function at the historic Hawa Mahal (Summer Palace), located in the renowned Rambagh of Amritsar, on Sunday to observe the death anniversary of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The event included recitation of Sri Sukhmani Sahib, followed by Kirtan by Jatha of Bhai Sukhjeet Singh Baba Bakala, Dhadi Vaar by Bhai Gurbhej Singh Chawinda, and Kavishri by Bhai Sucha Singh Dera Pathana — connecting the congregation with the Gurbani and Sikh history. Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj shared that considering the demand from the sangat and the current year's restrictions on Sikh jathas travelling from India to Pakistan for observing the anniversary under Shimla Samjhauta, he had suggested to SGPC to organise this event at Rambagh. He expressed gratitude to SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami and the Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib management for their support in holding this programme. Massive enthusiasm was shown at the congregation at Rambagh, a site of Sikh heritage. Participants included devotees from across Punjab and Amritsar, representatives of social and Sikh organisations, student bodies, and distinguished personalities. Prominent attendees included Kulwinder Singh (former head of History Department, Punjabi University), Baldeep Singh Ramuwalia, Sarabjeet Singh Ghuman, S Rajinder Singh Marwaha (Chief Khalsa Diwan), and Gangvir Rathore (Aalmi Punjabi Sangat) among others. Addressing the gathering , Jathedar Gargajj stressed on the urgent need to preserve Sikh heritage buildings not only in Western Punjab, but also in Eastern Punjab so that future generations can inherit history related to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He pledged to work towards holding annual commemorative events at Rambagh Hawa Mahal on both the birth and the death anniversaries of Maharaja Ranjit Singh through the SGPC. Speaking to the media, Jathedar Gargajj noted Maharaja Ranjit Singh was deeply devoted to Khalsa Panth, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, and Sri Guru Ramdas Ji. He offered gold to adorn Sri Harmandir Sahib as well as extended similar reverence to Kashi Vishwanath Mandir and Sunehri Mosque. After building his palace in Amritsar, he named the surrounding garden 'Rambagh' in honour of Sri Guru Ramdas Ji. Jathedar Gargajj remarked that holding a Gurmat Samagam at this location after a long time, under the auspices of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, was a blessing from the Guru. He also noted SGPC arranged the poshak (robe) for the Nishan Sahib installed at Rambagh.
Hindustan Times
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: Poets lament decline of traditional Punjabi folklore Kavishri
Poets, often dubbed as 'kavishar', performing at the Kavishri Darbar organised by the Punjabi Sahit Akademi on Sunday, highlighted the growing neglect of traditional folklore. They said Kavishri, once a powerful voice of Punjab's bravery, spirituality, and social consciousness, now struggles for space in modern times. Despite its deep roots in the state's history and culture, it has been pushed to the margins, with fewer young artists taking interest in it. Poets pointed out that the rise of commercial music, lack of formal training, and limited platforms for traditional arts have made it difficult for Kavishri to survive. Reflecting on the state of this traditional art form, Amarjeet Sherpuri, a veteran artist and retired municipal corporation employee, said, 'Kavishri is a folklore performed without musical instruments but is recited in a melodious tone. It is prominently performed in troupes of two to four members.'. 'Kavishri is our living folklore. We recite without instruments, yet our voices carry the soul of Punjab. But today, fewer schools host weekly sessions, and our troupes struggle to find audiences. If we do nothing, this art will vanish, he noted. Describing it as a ballad form that recites stories from Punjabi history, historic events, and traditional literature, Sherpuri said that at present, Kavishri has been largely confined to youth festivals of colleges, where it is mostly rural students who perform it. 'As these stories are still alive in rural Punjab, the art form maintains some recognition there. He lamented that such regular exposure has now disappeared from Punjabi cities, leaving Kavishri unable to capture the imagination of urban youth, who prefer western rhythms and glossy pop.,' he said. Sherpuri also pointed to the decline of Punjabi programmes on mass-media outlets. 'Families once used to tune in religiously to Doordarshan and Akashvani for Punjabi oriented content. But now, with these channels driven by commercial interests, there's little room for our ballads. While social media offers new avenues, most young people remain unaware of the rich stories that underpin their own heritage, he added. Notably, the highlight of the event was the musical performance led by 50-year-old Navjot Singh Mander from Jarg village near Khanna. Mander, who began playing at the age of 15 after learning from local musicians performing at village carnivals. He lamented that while contemporary Punjabi music enjoys global fame, the rich heritage of traditional folklore remains largely overlooked. 'As the trend of village carnivals has faded, art forms like Kavishri, which were once performed among the masses, have lost their charm,' he said. Mander emphasised that Kavishri events should be held in villages to promote social values and preserve traditions. Gulzar Pandher, General Secretary of the Punjabi Sahit Akademi, said, 'As we celebrate Rangla Punjab, we must safeguard the art forms that embody our history. This Darbar, dedicated to the 300th birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh and Baisakhi is a pledge to ensure Kavishri does not slip into oblivion.' Additionally, the programme featured stirring recitations by kavishars Lakhbir Singh Teri, Sukhmeet Singh (Amritsar), Preet Singh Sandal (Maksudra), Gursewak Singh Dhillon, Narinder Singh Bagga and Narinderpal Singh (Abul Khurana), each backed by small troupes.
