Punjabi singer Kanwar Grewal has been among the artists from Punjab who are at the forefront of the ongoing farmers’ protests, and his latest song 'Chhabeel' references the widespread agitation. He shared the song on Instagram, asking fans what they think of it.
The song pays homage to the fifth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Arjan Dev who was persecuted at the hands of the Mughal rulers; 14 June is marked as the martyrdom day of the Guru and on this day, the Sikh community sets up tents across towns and cities and serve people a sweet drink, which is usually rose flavoured milk, Chhabeel, a cooling beverage that provides respite from the hot summer sun.
Drawing a similarity between the Mughal oppressors of the Guru and the oppressors who are standing by as farmers continue their protest, the song expresses the hope that the sweet chhabeel will counter the thinking of those who are in power. Continuing the tradition of serving people, the lyrics also welcome the rulers to partake of the chhabeel and emphasise that the people at the protests have served farmers as well as the functionaries of the state equally.
The lyrics have been penned by Gill Raunta while the catchy music has been composed by Bhai Manna Singh. The video foregrounds the sacrifice made by Guru Arjan Dev, while depicting the ways in which the Sikh community has served all people through their free kitchens and attitude of service.
The song is one is a series of songs by Grewal that pay tribute to the protesting farmers. The singer has also performed at the protest site at the Tikri border in Delhi.