Kashmiri folk music legend Ustad Ghulam Nabi Shah, also known as Hamle Bulbul, passed away on June 11, 2025. Learn about his cultural legacy, awards, and contributions for exam preparation.
Kashmiri Art World Mourns a Nightingale
Renowned Kashmiri musician Ustad Ghulam Nabi Shah—affectionately known as Hamle Bulbul—passed away on June 11, 2025, at his ancestral home in Dangiwacha, Rafiabad, Baramulla district Beloved for his melodious voice and remarkable performances, he was widely celebrated as a torchbearer of Kashmiri folk music.
A Lifetime Dedicated to Folk Heritage
For over thirty years, Shah was an integral part of the Jammu & Kashmir Information Department, where he passionately promoted local music and dance at both the national and international levels He skillfully played the sarangi, mesmerizing audiences with traditional ballads and rhythmic storytelling.
Iconic ‘Glass Dance’ & Bacha Nagma Expertise
Shah’s performances were visually stunning. His signature “glass dance”—balancing a glass of water on his head while dancing—became legendaryHe was also a master of Bacha Nagma, a spirited dance performed by young boys dressed as women, showcasing graceful footwork and expressive storytelling through folk songs
National & Cultural Recognition
In 2011, Shah was honoured with the Sher‑e‑Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah Award, a prestigious accolade celebrating his commitment to preserving Kashmiri Lok Sangeet His artistic journey left a lasting mark on state cultural identity.
Legacy & Tribute
A condolence meeting chaired by Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari of the J&K Information Department highlighted Shah’s immense cultural contributions Colleagues, fans, and cultural institutions across the region paid glowing tribute to the “Bulbul of Kashmiri music,” acknowledging that an era had truly come to an end
Why This News Is Important
Preserving Cultural Identity
The passing of Hamle Bulbul represents a profound loss for Kashmir’s intangible heritage. As a custodian of folk music and dance, he played a pivotal role in preserving Kashmir’s unique cultural expressions during times of socio-political challenges. His life’s work underscores the importance of safeguarding regional traditions.
Inspirational for Aspirants
Shah’s journey—from a village in Rafiabad to international recognition—serves as a motivational example for government exam-aspirants like teachers, police officers, and civil servants. It emphasizes the role of cultural ambassadors in nation‑building, especially in roles tied to cultural preservation, community outreach, and public administration.
Exam-Relevant Themes
Students preparing for exams like SSC CGL, UGC NET, PSC, and UPSC should note themes such as:
- Cultural preservation in remote regions
- Government initiatives supporting folk art
- National awards & their impact on cultural morale
These topics are frequently examined in governance, culture, and current affairs sections.
Historical Context: The Folk Tradition of Kashmir
Kashmir has a vibrant history of folk artistry—ranging from Lok Sangeet (folk music) and Bacha Nagma to Sufiyana musical traditions. Instruments like the sarangi and practices like glass-balancing have been transmitted across generations. However, in recent decades, regional conflict and socio-economic disruption threatened these art forms.
Government recognition—such as the Sher‑e‑Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah Award—has played a key role in supporting artists like Shah. Alongside luminaries like Ghulam Mohammad Saznawaz (another Padma Shri and SaMaPa awardee), such artists have become guardians of cultural memory, ensuring that Kashmir’s traditional art remains alive and relevant.
Key Takeaways from “Hamle Bulbul’s Demise”
| # | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Date of Demise: Ustad Ghulam Nabi Shah passed away on June 11, 2025, in Dangiwacha, Baramulla. |
| 2 | Nickname & Legacy: Known as Hamle Bulbul (“Nightingale of Kashmir”), symbolizing his status in folk music. |
| 3 | Cultural Ambassadorship: Served over 30 years in J&K’s Information Dept, promoting folk heritage nationally and internationally. |
| 4 | Signature Art Forms: Excelled in sarangi, Bacha Nagma, and iconic “glass dance” performances. |
| 5 | Award & Recognition: Honoured with the prestigious Sher‑e‑Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah Award (2011) for his lifetime contribution to Lok Sangeet. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who was Ustad Ghulam Nabi Shah?
Ustad Ghulam Nabi Shah, popularly known as Hamle Bulbul, was a renowned Kashmiri folk musician and sarangi player. He dedicated his life to preserving Kashmiri Lok Sangeet and traditional dance forms.
Q2: What was the ‘glass dance’ performed by Hamle Bulbul?
The glass dance was a signature performance where Hamle Bulbul balanced a glass of water on his head while dancing, showcasing exceptional balance and artistic finesse.
Q3: What is Bacha Nagma?
Bacha Nagma is a traditional Kashmiri dance performed by boys dressed in feminine attire. It is a vibrant part of Kashmir’s cultural celebrations and was popularized by folk artists like Ustad Ghulam Nabi Shah.
Q4: Which award was conferred on Hamle Bulbul in recognition of his contribution to folk music?
In 2011, he was honoured with the Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah Award for his contribution to preserving and promoting traditional Kashmiri folk music.
Q5: Why is the death of Hamle Bulbul significant for exam preparation?
His death is a relevant current affairs topic for exams as it connects with Indian culture, regional folk traditions, government awards, and public administration’s role in cultural preservation.
Some Important Current Affairs Links
