Sureelee Shaam 2026

A Symphony of the Soul: Ghazal Manch Surrey Hosts a Resplendent Evening of Punjabi Melody and Metaphor 

SURREY — In a breathtaking celebration of rhythm and verse, Ghazal Manch Surrey hosted an enchanting musical and literary evening at the Reflection Banquet & Conference Centre. The event left an indelible mark on the hearts of the audience, elevating the cultural landscape of the diaspora. Attended by hundreds of discerning connoisseurs, the evening’s profound silence, broken only by spontaneous bursts of heartfelt appreciation (daadh and wah-wah), stood as a testament to a beautiful truth: the heart of Punjabi poetry and classical music beats with immense vitality and passion on Canadian soil.

The Prelude: Welcoming the Connoisseurs

The gala commenced with an elegant introduction by the forum’s eloquent spokesperson, Rajwant Raj, who welcomed the gathered intelligentsia and art lovers with warmth and poetic grace. Following the welcome, Davinder Gautam, General Secretary of Ghazal Manch, took the stage to illuminate the forum's ongoing literary endeavors and its three flagship annual galas.

A Note of Patronage: Gautam expressed deep gratitude to Jatinder J. Minhas, a prominent local entrepreneur and visionary art patron. Minhas painstakingly curated and organized the entire evening, transforming it from a simple gathering into a world-class cultural showcase.

The Musical Odyssey: From Soulful Melodies to Velvety Rhythms

The musical segments of the night seamlessly bridged the gap between traditional ghazal aesthetics and contemporary resonance.

• Karanjit: The musical journey began with Karanjit, whose pristine vocals and deep understanding of classical nuances instantly captivated the room, setting a deeply contemplative mood.

• Saanjh Jaura: Representing the vibrant energy of the next generation, Saanjh Jaura, a talented student from UBC Okanagan, spellbound the audience. Her immaculate pitch, refreshing stage presence, and unique musical phrasing proved that the future of Punjabi musical heritage is in secure hands.

• Parakhjit Singh: Elevating the evening to new spiritual heights, the acclaimed maestro Parakhjit Singh delivered a soulful rendition of three profound ghazals. Backed by masterfully synchronized live instrumentation, his performance evoked deep introspection.

• Sukhdev Sahil: The crescendo of the night belonged to the virtuoso vocalist Sukhdev Sahil, who traveled specially from California. Blessed with a velvety, rich voice, Sahil mesmerized the crowd by weaving the verses of Ghazal Manch’s local poets into traditional genres, including captivating Geets, Tappas, and Boliyan. His performance turned the venue into an immersive sanctuary of sound.

Honoring the Keepers of the Craft

True to its ethos of nurturing both legacy and innovation, the evening featured a prestigious felicitation ceremony led by Jatinder J. Minhas and the executive committee of Ghazal Manch.

Honoree

Contribution / Distinction

Ashok Bansal Mansa

Renowned lyricist and archivist who traveled from Punjab; honored for his monumental research into the history of Punjabi songwriting.

Gurdarshan Badal

Celebrated Ustad (Master) Poet; recognized for his lifetime contribution to Punjabi verse.

Amarjit Shant

Esteemed poetess; honored for her evocative literary contributions.

Avtar Kaur

Respected literary figure; celebrated for her dedication to the arts.

The evening also marked a significant milestone for Punjabi literature with the official launch of three highly anticipated books:

1. Chupp da Sannata (The Silence of Stillness) — A poignant collection of mini-stories by Surinder Kaile.

2. Mitti Nu Pharol Jogiya and Labh Jaange Lal Guache — Two profound investigative and biographical volumes by Ashok Bansal Mansa.

A Shared Vision for the Future

The seamless flow of this grand event was orchestrated by a brilliant panel of moderators—Rajwant Raj, Davinder Gautam, Dashmesh Gill Feroz, and Sukhjeet Hundal—who knit the segments together with poetic commentary and literary wit.

A particularly heartening highlight of the night was the significant presence of Surrey’s youth. Young poets, writers, and enthusiasts attended in large numbers, signaling a powerful cultural renaissance within the diaspora.

Closing the memorable evening, Jaswinder, President of Ghazal Manch Surrey, extended his profound gratitude to the patrons, artists, and the rapt audience. He reaffirmed the forum's unwavering commitment to the preservation and proliferation of high-caliber Punjabi literature and classical ghazal singing, promising that this evening was merely one chapter in a continuous, lifelong journey of cultural celebration.