Collecting Punjabi Vinyl as a Hobby: Stories from Real Collectors

In a world driven by digital convenience, vinyl records offer a tangible connection to the past. For a growing number of enthusiasts, collecting Punjabi vinyl has become more than a nostalgic pursuit—it is a passionate hobby, a cultural mission, and a way to preserve musical heritage that might otherwise fade with time. From dusty markets in Ludhiana to online auctions in Toronto, Punjabi vinyl collectors are uncovering forgotten gems, building archives, and connecting with one another across continents.

What draws people to collect these records is not just the music but the stories behind the music. Each vinyl sleeve, groove, and spindle mark holds a narrative of migration, memory, and identity. This blog explores the experiences of real collectors who have made Punjabi vinyl their passion.

Jasdeep from London: The Second-Generation Archivist

Born and raised in Southall, London, Jasdeep grew up hearing Punjabi vinyl in his grandparents' home. Every Sunday, his grandfather would play devotional records like Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai or folk duets by Surinder Kaur and Asa Singh Mastana. The crackle of the needle and the warmth of analog sound left a deep impression.

Years later, Jasdeep began collecting Punjabi records as a way to reconnect with his cultural roots. He now owns over 500 records, most of them sourced from charity shops, boot sales, and Discogs. His focus is on rare UK-pressed Bhangra LPs and devotional records from the 1970s.

He shares clips of his finds on Instagram, educating followers about forgotten artists and labels like Multitone and OSA. For him, collecting Punjabi vinyl is not about resale value but about archiving a part of community history that is too often overlooked.

Amandeep from Ludhiana: The Local Historian

Amandeep, a retired schoolteacher in Ludhiana, has been collecting Punjabi vinyl since the 1980s. His collection began with one record—Heer Ranjha—a gift from a friend who worked at an HMV store. The emotional depth of the music moved him so much that he began frequenting music shops, buying whatever he could find.

Over time, his modest collection grew into a carefully organized library of over 800 records. He stores them in wooden cabinets, away from heat and sunlight. His collection includes folk, classical, Sufi, and film soundtracks—some of which are no longer available in any format.

Younger visitors often come to his home to digitize these records or interview him for research. He sees himself as a caretaker of cultural memory and hopes to one day donate his archive to a Punjabi university for educational use.

Gurpreet from Vancouver: The Nostalgic DJ

In the 1990s, Gurpreet was a Bhangra DJ at weddings across British Columbia. Back then, vinyl was already giving way to cassettes and CDs, but he held on to his records for the sound quality and emotional connection. After years of storing them in crates, he recently revived his hobby.

Now semi-retired, Gurpreet has turned his basement into a listening lounge filled with Punjabi LPs, turntables, and posters from classic films. His favorites include Putt Jattan De, Long Da Lishkara, and Babul Da Vehra. He also collects test pressings and promotional copies sent to radio stations in the 80s.

Gurpreet occasionally streams live vinyl DJ sessions, introducing rare tracks to a new audience. For him, collecting is about reliving the music that once packed dance floors and helped generations of immigrants celebrate their culture.

Meher from Delhi: The Devotional Collector

For Meher, a librarian based in Delhi, collecting Punjabi devotional vinyl is a spiritual journey. Her collection includes early gurbani recordings by Bhai Harjinder Singh, kirtans pressed by EMI India, and rare Sufi poetry albums from the 60s and 70s.

She discovered vinyl while researching Indian religious music archives and was surprised by how little had been preserved or digitized. Determined to help, she began purchasing devotional records from online sellers and gurdwara bookstores.

Now, she plays a record each morning as part of her daily prayer routine. She believes vinyl’s slow, immersive nature complements the spiritual essence of the music. Her collection is slowly being digitized for a public listening project at a local museum.

Why the Hobby Matters

Each of these collectors is different in background, but all share a deep appreciation for the stories, voices, and history embedded in Punjabi vinyl. Their efforts are not only personal—they contribute to a larger movement to preserve regional culture in the face of digital erasure.

Unlike digital playlists that can be shuffled and forgotten, vinyl demands engagement. You must select it, place it, flip it. This tactile ritual fosters a deeper bond with the music and with the memories it carries. For many collectors, it is a bridge to their ancestors, a means to understand their roots, and a way to keep their language and music alive.

Conclusion

Collecting Punjabi vinyl is more than a hobby—it is an act of preservation, passion, and identity. Whether it’s devotional hymns, folk duets, or Bhangra hits, each record tells a story that deserves to be remembered. In the hands of real collectors across the globe, these sounds continue to spin, bridging generations and keeping the rhythm of Punjab alive.

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