Danish Ali/Srinagar

In the serene valleys fringed by snow-capped peaks, one voice continues to preserve traditions of Kashmiri folk music — that of Sarwar Bulbul, a celebrated Naat Khwan, poet, and cultural torchbearer.

“I consider it a blessing to sing the praises of the Prophet,” Sarwar says. “It’s not just music — it’s ibadah (worship),” he told Awaz-The Voice.

A soulful Naat Khwan (reciter of devotional poetry in praise of Prophet Muhammad), Sarwar Bulbul, 53, has emerged as an icon who blends deep-rooted spirituality with a mission to revive the region’s rich artistic heritage.

Behind this celebrated voice lies a legacy of music, culture, and devotion that began with his father, Ghulam Nabi Shah, popularly known as ‘Bulbul.’ Like his father, Sarwar is well-known across Kashmir.

Born in 1969 in Dangiwacha, Rafiabad, North Kashmir, he grew up immersed in music. His father, Ghulam Nabi Shah "Bulbul", was a revered folk singer whose melodious voice once graced stages across India, representing the cultural soul of Jammu and Kashmir.

Sarwar Bulbul

Shah earned the title “Bulbul” in 1966 after a mesmerizing performance in Srinagar that moved then-Chief Minister Bakhshi Ghulam Mohammad, who gave him the honorific as a tribute to his nightingale-like voice.

From the tender age of seven, Sarwar began his musical journey under his father's guidance. Over time, he inherited not just a name, but a legacy — and a responsibility.

While initially trained in folk and classical music, Sarwar eventually carved his path as a devotional singer, gaining widespread acclaim across the Valley.

His emotional renditions of Naatiya Kalam have become a must in religious gatherings, Ramzan nights, and community events.

Among his most cherished recitations are “Gamzadan Dil Fulin, Khuda Bozin” — a soulful Munajat — and “Nabia Bar Haq Rasool Anna Kh,” both of which are widely loved for their spiritual depth and vocal brilliance.

His velvety voice bridges the spiritual and timeless feelings of generations and encourages youth to rediscover faith through art.

To ensure the legacy lives on, Sarwar now leads the Bulbul Academy of Performing Arts (BAPA), established in his hometown of Rafiabad. With more than 30 students, many from underprivileged rural backgrounds, the academy serves as a rare institution for training in Kashmiri classical, Sufi, and devotional music.

“Each note carries our history,” he says. “At BAPA, we’re not just teaching melodies — we’re preserving identity.”

Sarwar Bulbul

BAPA is also engaged in reviving traditional instruments, rediscovering ancient compositions, and documenting the oral heritage. Under Sarwar’s guidance, the academy has grown into a cultural sanctuary for Kashmir’s musical heritage.

Sarwar Bulbul is also associated with Rafiabad Adabi Markaz. His verses often explore themes of love, spirituality, and brotherhood.

In 1992, one of his most touching nazms, “Dama Aak Yetii Yamparii Manii Gubro,” a heartfelt tribute to mothers, was broadcast on Doordarshan and remains a cherished memory for many viewers.

Though humble and reserved, Sarwar's talents have earned him recognition beyond Kashmir. In 2006, he was honoured with an award in Gujarat by Narendra Modi, then Chief Minister of the state, for his contributions to spiritual and cultural music.

He also performed for Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, during his visit to Kashmir — an experience Sarwar calls “unforgettable and deeply humbling.”

Sarwar Bulbul

In an age when fast-paced digital content and global influences often overshadow indigenous traditions, Sarwar Bulbul remains a guardian of Kashmir’s spiritual and artistic soul. He refuses to commercialize his talent and prefers a modest life, connected to his community and cultural roots.

As one of his students put it, “Ustaad Sarwar Bulbul is not just teaching us music, he’s teaching us how to live meaningfully.”

ALSO READ: From stones to solutions: Wajahat Farooq Bhat’s journey of reshaping Kashmir’s future

In every naat he sings, in every student he mentors, and in every verse he writes, Sarwar Bulbul is ensuring that Kashmir's divine melodies and cultural wisdom will never fade into silence