Punjab: The fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev is also known as the creator of Sikh musical traditions. He is credited with encouraging the musical recitation of Gurbani, now known as Kirtan, composing hymns (ragas) and arranging the sacred text in the form of ragas and gharanas. Guru Arjan Dev’s time witnessed a spiritual musical renaissance, with Guru Ki Wadali at its centre. It is therefore natural that centuries later Guru Ki Wadali saw a musical revival once again, this time through the Wadali Brothers, Puran Chand Wadali and the late Pyare Lal Wadali. Fifth generation musicians, the Wadali Brothers carried forward a profound legacy rooted in spirituality, devotion and classical music. Their music was non-commercial, deeply spiritual, and drew inspiration from Sufi saints such as Baba Bulleh Shah, Amir Khusro and Sant Kabir.
Starting from local akhadas and music festivals, the duo performed at several prestigious international stages and festivals, winning several awards including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Padma Shri. Their music not only left an indelible mark on Indian music but also revived folk and Sufi music traditions in Wadali through their music school. The school works on the concept of Guru-Shishya parampara, where selected students are taught Sufi, Ghazal, and devotional music. Puran Chand Wadali’s son Lakhwinder Wadali is carrying forward the family’s musical legacy. Inseparable on stage and in life, this renowned duo saw a tragic end in 2018 when Pyare Lal Wadali passed away due to cardiac arrest. Their live performances were raw, emotional, and performed with minimal instruments. Even today, listeners get deeply emotional listening to their original performance of Tu Mane Ya Na Mane Dildaara. The historic village of Guru Ki Wadali gained high recognition through the Wadali brothers.
