Dhadi Art reflects Punjab’s rich heritage: Sandhwan

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Language Department Punjab honours the legacy of Giani Sohan Singh Seetal through a Dhadi music programme in Patiala

Patiala, August 25

The Language Department Punjab, organised a Giani Sohan Singh Seetal Memorial Dhadi event at Bhasha Bhawan, where Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan described Dhadi art as a “proud art form” that has guided Punjab’s history.

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Sandhwan praised the department for organising the programme in memory of the noted Dhadi artist and writer Giani Sohan Singh Seetal. He said remembering Seetal was a way of honouring Punjabi heritage and described him as a personality who expressed a desire to contribute to Punjab’s prosperity through his diverse artistic and literary work.

Sandhwan said Dhadi art represents valour and has played an important role in shaping historical consciousness over time. He also stressed the need to preserve Punjab’s rich heritage and said institutions such as the Language Department should make greater efforts in this direction.

Director of Languages, Jaswant Singh Zafar said Seetal’s personality encompassed Dhadi art, historiography, songwriting and novel writing. He said Seetal excelled in both his literary and artistic forms and that such events were necessary to introduce his contribution to younger generations.

Zafar added that Dhadi and Kavishari traditions had played an important role in promoting the Punjabi language since the medieval period. He said both religious and heritage-based forms of Dhadi art had their own significance in Punjab’s religious and cultural development.

Chief speaker Des Raj Chhajli spoke about Seetal’s life and contribution and discussed the origins and development of Dhadi music in Punjab. He said the tradition predated the Guru period and underwent a significant transformation after the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, when heroic expression became prominent.

Performances included Seetal’s compositions by several Dhadi groups. The programme also featured presentations on the Ghadar movement and contemporary Punjab.

The department also released its annual publication, Ik Saal De Safey, documenting its activities and achievements. Guests and Dhadi groups were honoured with departmental shawls and sets of books.