Surmaiee Shaam 2025

Date: May 11, 2025

Venue: Reflections Banquet and Convention Center

Artists: Parakhjit Singh, Bhagatjeet Singh, Dr. Randeep Malhotra, and Sukhdev Sahil, Sonal Jabbal

Hosted by: Ghazal Manch Surrey

On May 11, 2025, Ghazal Manch Surrey presented their annual Surmai Shaam, a captivating evening celebrating the timeless allure of ghazal poetry woven into melodious performances, offered free to the community. Held at the heart of Surrey, the event commenced with a heartfelt land acknowledgment delivered in Punjabi by Sukhjit Kaur, followed by a ceremonial prayer from Indigenous representative Denis Leon of the Kwantlen First Nation; together fostering a profound sense of cultural harmony and respect for the land.

Surmai Shaam was dedicated to the late Krishan Bhanot, a gifted poet, mentor, and founding member of Ghazal Manch Surrey. Dr. Randip Malhotra honored his legacy by performing one of Bhanot’s cherished ghazals, celebrating his enduring impact.

While curated primarily for adults, Surmai Shaam thoughtfully engaged youth, providing a positive outlet for their creativity and cultural expression, and underscoring the organizers’ dedication to succession planning by nurturing future generations and fostering vibrant, culturally rich spaces for South Asian communities.

One of the most memorable moments of the afternoon came from Sonal Jabal, a Canadian-born and raised vocalist whose exceptional talent lit up the stage. Interpreting a deeply expressive ghazal written by poet Sukhjit Kaur, Sonal delivered a performance that was both emotionally rich and musically refined. Her voice carried a rare combination of clarity, soul, and maturity, captivating the audience from the very first note. At such a young age, she not only met the poetic depth of the ghazal but elevated it, embodying each word with heartfelt authenticity. Sonal’s performance was a powerful reminder of the artistic brilliance emerging from the next generation.

Two young men shared original English poetry at Surmai Shaam, offering fresh perspectives on life and identity. Translated and reflected upon by Rajwant Raj, their work connected deeply with the audience, highlighting our commitment to diverse South Asian youth voices. Arnav Gautam’s poem explores life’s struggles, seeking peace amid chaos and light in darkness. It conveys that pain and sorrow guide us toward inner peace, emphasizing that choosing our own path reveals life’s challenges and joys. Prithu Sethi’s poem reflects on true happiness, found not in grand achievements but in simple, inward moments like giving love, offering forgiveness, and showing courage. It suggests joy is accessible to all yet often overlooked.

The event continued with captivating performances by Parakhjit Singh, Bhagatjit Singh, and Sahil from California. The audience enthusiastically sang along, made ghazal requests, and frequently erupted in appreciative claps and cries of Wah Wah!

To conclude the afternoon, plaque awards were presented to all participants in recognition of their contributions. A special honor was bestowed upon Davinder Bachra for her selfless dedication to decades of volunteer work, particularly her ongoing efforts in supporting senior citizens. Overall, the event was a resounding success, with Ghazal Manch Surrey receiving heartfelt praise and numerous compliments from attendees.