Sarod maestro Amjad Ali adorns Namdhari style turban at Bhaini Sahib in Ludhiana
The double delight came at the 11th Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Sangeet Sammelan held in Sri Bhaini Sahib here on Sunday.

It was not just a musical delight for the audience in Ludhiana last weekend when renowned Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan performed in front of them but also a visual spectacle. As usual the legendary Sarod player mesmerised the audience with his soulful performance, but watching him perform adorning the traditional Namdhari Sikh style of turban was the real icing on the cake.
The double delight came at the 11th Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Sangeet Sammelan held in Sri Bhaini Sahib here on Sunday.
After the event, the musical genius wrote on his official Facebook page: “Heartfelt thanks to Rachpal Singh Ji for bestowing upon me the Namdhari turban- a profound gesture that echoes with history and cultural significance. The honor of wearing this turban emblematic symbol is truly humbling, and it deepens my connection to tradition.”
The musical extravaganza also showcased the exceptional talents of several young performers alongside established music legends. In his opening remarks, Amjad Ali Khan acknowledged the commendable contributions of late Namdhari sect leader Jagjit Singh to the advancement of Indian classical music during his lifetime. Drawing a poignant connection to his own heritage, Amjad Ali Khan shared that his ancestors wore Safa turbans, and as a gesture of respect, he chose to wear the Namdhari Sikh turban as a tribute to the legacy of the Namdhari sect.
Amidst contemporary challenges faced by Punjab, such as issues related to drug abuse, the glorification of gun culture in popular music, and radicalism, spiritual places like Sri Bhaini Sahib stand as beacons of pristine Indic culture, showcasing a commitment to its preservation for the greater societal good, said Dr Pushpinder Singh,
Member, Central Committee, Vishwa Namdhari Vidyak Jatha, while speaking to The Indian Express.
Amjad Ali Khan’s performance, dedicated to world peace, aligned with the ongoing efforts of the Namdhari Sangat, which has been performing recitals of “Chandi di Vaar” since November 15 for international peace. The fusion of Gurbani recitation and melodic compositions during the concert created an enchanting ambience in Sri Bhaini Sahib.
Bhaini Sahib stands out as one of the rare places in the country where Indic traditions are not only preserved but actively practised in the daily lives of the Namdhari Sikhs. It offers a meaningful response to the pervasive colonial influences of the past and the detrimental impacts of contemporary consumerism on society. From its role in the post-1857 rallying for India’s independence to providing solace during challenging times like the Partition, the place has been a testament to resilience, said Dr Pushpinder Singh.