The origins of the festival
The Harballabh festival's origins lie in the tradition of singing dhrupad couplets in Sanskrit, practiced by Brahmins in Punjab and associated with Hindu spirituality. Guru Nanak himself is believed to have sung dhrupad, a practice that survives in Sikh tradition. The festival initially commemorated Swami Tuljagiri, the erstwhile mahant of the Devi Talab sakti-peeth site, and was organised by his successor, Baba Harballabh, in the winter of 1875. This event, which began as an annual tribute, grew into a larger celebration featuring dhrupad musicians from the region. Swami Hemgiri, Tuljagiri's predecessor, had established the site as a Hindu ritual spot, attracting numerous sadhus and sants, and sanctifying its revered status.
Although Baba Harballabh came from a long line of saints known for singing devotional songs, he received formal training under Pandit Duni Chand of Ujahan (now in Sialkot district). He continued the guru-shishya tradition at Devi Talab, where many disciples learned the art from him and other masters. Baba Harballabh had numerous disciples and worked to instil a love of music in them. The place where he sang thus became a revered site for musicians and classical music enthusiasts.
The festival was declared a National Festival by the Indian Department of Tourism in the 1950s, and has been an integral symbol of Jalandhar’s status as a musical city. The Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan, known for being a melting pot of various music genres and fostering a rich culture of listening, played a significant role in nurturing the talent of the acclaimed film singer K.L. Saigal. The popular singer, known for his classical style, found his initial creative inspiration in this musical haven of Jalandhar.
Relish the festivities
The Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan spans three days, beginning each afternoon with a documentary film. This is followed by incredible performances from some of the greatest musicians, showcasing a variety of musical instruments like tabla, flute, santoor, sitar, and sarangi, as well as vocal acts and melodic rhythms. Numerous disciples of Baba Harballabh attend the festival, sharing their passion for music with visitors. The festival is free to attend, with complimentary dining and accommodation provided.
Seek solace and peace at places around
To restore yourself and find peace, explore Rangla Punjab Haveli’s museum and Cultural Centre, which features traditional arts, music and dance from Punjab and its fascinating history. Also, take in Jalandhar's amazing history at Pushpa Gujral Science City Museum, which features interactive displays demonstrating various scientific phenomena.
