Rababi Bhai Lal Ji

[Azaad]

It is an accepted fact that Sikhism propagates the use of Raag and Gurbani as a means of worship of the Almighty. This tradition has been passed down through the innovation of Raagis (Those that sing the Raags.) The very first raagi acknowleged in Sikh history was Guru Nanak Dev Jis trusted friend and companion Bhai Mardana Ji. Legend has it that when Guru Nanak was given Bani to recite to the world from the Divine, the same power would also instruct Bhai Mardana to pluck the Rabab in a certain Raag. Thus Raag and Gurbani became two spirits in one.

Bhai Mardana was then known as a Rababi and the subsequent Rababi tradition has developed from him. In memory of this it is suspected that the last member of this Rababi tradition is Bhai Lal Ji, Pakistan. Bhai Lal ji is suspected to be the 17th generation descendent of Bhai Mardana keeping alive the Rababi tradition that has almost been forgotten in the Sikh panth.

Although being a Muslim, Bhai Lal ji is devoted to the kirtan traditions of Gurmat Sangeet. Born in 1929 Bhai Lal ji formerly known as Ashiq Ali Hussein grew up watching his father who was the Hazoori Ragi at Goindwal Sahib. He learnt Gurmukhi at primary school before devoting his life to kirtan. He initially spent two years under the instruction of Bhai Khisita at Amritsar before being taken under the fold of the legendary Rababi Bhai Chand Ji. “Since then I came to be known as Bhai Lal and have been addressed so, ever since,” he recalls

Despite pleas from the Sikh community, Bhai lal Ji left for Pakistan with his father at the time of partition. It was here that he settled, married and raised four sons. Despite adoring the kirtan maryada that is deeply infused in his heart, due to lack of Sikh patronage in Pakistan this has not been put to good use. Although his sons also have acquired a great deal of respect for Gurbani, they have not adopted the family business so to speak. Bhai Lal ji states, “Two of my sons are electricians, while one polishes utensils and the youngest remains a free roamer despite having passed plus 2,” He says this with deep regret as something so special is at the brink of extinction.

Unfortunately, there are only a few opportunities to hear Bhai Lal ji in Pakistan. He states that he is only invited to do kirtan when a jatha from abroad comes to Pakistan for yatra or when he is seldom invited for a kirtan at a house. He has also acknowledged that the Sindhi community are the ones who really appreciate Kirtan and Gurmat Sangeet in Pakistan.

Bhai Lal ji used to be a regular at Durbar Sahib, Amritsar (The Golden Temple) in the pre partition days. The last time he performed at Durbar Sahib was in 1962 for two hours. Shortly after this a rule was passed by the SGPC that no non Amrit Dhari can be permitted to do kirtan in Durbar Sahib to protect the Sikh image. The desire to still pay homage to Satguru Ramdas ji at Durbar Sahib is deeply enshrined in Bhai Lal Jis heart, which is one dream that may not come true.

Nevertheless, Bhai Lal ji still remains a well respected figure in the Sikh religion today. He has kept the tradition of Bhai Mardana alive and has been honoured by the following Sikh organisations for his ability in Raag and his love for the Guru. He was awarded by many including SGPC, the Delhi Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Damdami Taksal, Patna Sahib, Hazoor Sahib and others.

May his memory and his melodious kirtan live on in our hearts.

[chatanga]

Bhai Lal also was thrown out of Gurdwara Dehra Sahib, Lahore for having tobaaco in his pocket about 5 years ago.

If he wanted his sons to continue the family tradition why didnt he teach them when they were young?

Now they are older they have their own careers and such , they are less likely to return to their family tradition.

[Jagmeet]

There's speculation that he is not actually the descendant? I read it somewhere, i think on this forum, lol.