Left-pointing arrow icon.
Back to blog

FOLK LOK LIVE – Punjabi Folk Singing & Storytelling Workshop

May 15, 2026

FOLK LOK LIVE – Preserving Punjabi Folk Heritage Through Music, Storytelling, and Youth Engagement

The Royal Academy of Punjab is proud to present FOLK LOK LIVE – Punjabi Folk Singing & Storytelling Workshop, a cultural initiative dedicated to preserving and promoting the living traditions of Punjabi folk music and storytelling in British Columbia.

Running from May 15 to June 15 in Surrey, BC, this special project will bring together youth, artists, families, and community members through a series of interactive workshops focused on Punjabi folk singing, boliyan, oral storytelling, and cultural expression. The initiative is led by renowned Punjabi folk artist and storyteller Gurpreet Singh “Gunni,” whose work continues to inspire audiences through authentic folk traditions rooted in the history and spirit of Punjab.

Preserving a Living Tradition

Punjabi folk traditions have long served as a reflection of community life, history, relationships, celebrations, emotions, and shared experiences. Through folk songs and storytelling, generations have passed down cultural knowledge, values, memories, and artistic expression. These traditions are not only forms of entertainment — they are living records of Punjabi identity and heritage.

As communities evolve and younger generations grow up in increasingly fast-paced and digital environments, opportunities to connect deeply with traditional cultural practices are becoming more limited. Many youth hear Punjabi music, but fewer have the opportunity to learn the stories, meanings, and cultural significance behind traditional folk arts.

FOLK LOK LIVE was created to help bridge that gap by providing meaningful cultural learning experiences that connect youth directly to Punjabi heritage through participation, mentorship, and community engagement.

Empowering Youth Through Culture

The project is designed to engage Punjabi youth in a welcoming and educational environment where they can build confidence, cultural pride, and stronger connections to their roots. Participants will learn traditional folk songs, boliyan, vocal techniques, rhythm, storytelling methods, and the historical context behind Punjabi folk traditions.

By learning directly from experienced cultural artists, youth will gain a deeper appreciation for the richness of Punjabi heritage while developing skills in performance, communication, and artistic expression.

The initiative also supports intergenerational learning by creating opportunities for elders, artists, and youth to share experiences and cultural knowledge together.

Led by Gurpreet Singh “Gunni”

The workshop series will be led by acclaimed Punjabi folk singer and storyteller Gurpreet Singh “Gunni,” known for his dedication to preserving authentic Punjabi folk traditions through music, storytelling, and cultural education.

Gunni’s artistic approach focuses not only on performance, but on understanding the deeper emotional and cultural meaning behind Punjabi folk expression. Through his guidance, participants will experience traditional folk arts in a way that is educational, inspiring, and rooted in authenticity.

Building Community Through the Arts

FOLK LOK LIVE is more than a workshop series — it is a community-building initiative that creates space for dialogue, participation, and cultural exchange. The project encourages people from diverse backgrounds to come together through shared artistic experiences that celebrate multiculturalism and inclusion.

The program will conclude with a live community showcase where participants will perform alongside Gurpreet Singh “Gunni,” sharing their learning journey with the wider public. This showcase will celebrate Punjabi culture while strengthening intercultural understanding and appreciation within Surrey’s diverse community.

Accessibility and Inclusion

Royal Academy of Punjab believes cultural experiences should be accessible to everyone. To reduce barriers to participation, the program will offer:

  • Free participation for youth

  • Accessible venue facilities

  • Inclusive community outreach

  • Welcoming spaces for participants from diverse backgrounds

The initiative reflects the values of inclusion, diversity, and cultural celebration that continue to shape British Columbia’s multicultural communities.

Supported by Community Partners

Royal Academy of Punjab sincerely thanks the City of Surrey, Government of British Columbia, Government of Canada, sponsors, and media partners for supporting this important initiative and recognizing the value of cultural preservation and youth engagement through the arts.

Their support helps ensure Punjabi folk traditions remain vibrant, accessible, and connected to future generations.

About Royal Academy of Punjab

Royal Academy of Punjab is dedicated to preserving, educating, and promoting Punjabi arts, music, dance, language, and cultural heritage through community programming, performances, workshops, and youth engagement initiatives across British Columbia and beyond.

Through projects like FOLK LOK LIVE, the organization continues to create meaningful opportunities for communities to celebrate culture, strengthen identity, and preserve heritage for future generations.

No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan
X
Royal Academy of Punjab

Covid-19 Health and Safety Plan

Safe Physical Distancing: The dance floor has been marked into safe distance zones whichare at least 2 metres apart or more. Only one person is permitted per marker, and please stayin your marked area.

Hand washing: Please wash your hands or sanitize before your class and after your class.Use the sinks in the washrooms (one person at a time)

Masks: The most recent recommendation from Canada’s public health is that of wearing anon-medical masks or face covering as an additional layer of protection, even when physicaldistancing is active at the studio.

We recommend you wear a mask while attending a class if you are comfortable doing so, but do take it offif you experience dizziness or a shortness of breath while wearing it.

Our Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols: We have implemented enhanced antibacterialand antiviral cleaning and sanitizing protocols for all common areas and surfaces, includingwashrooms, light switches, door handles. etc. This includes increasing the frequency thatthese items are cleaned (number of times per day) as well as the timing (before and afterclasses).

If You Feel Unwell: If you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, a cough, sorethroat, stuffy or runny nose, etc, or if you are in proximity with someone who is ill, please stayhome and DO NOT attend classes (This will be strictly enforced).

Class Times: We are staggering our class start times with a break between classes to allowfor cleaning and sanitization as well as to prevent large groups from congregating in thestudio during class cross over.

Limited contact: Staff and students are asked to please refrain from high fives and hugs forthe time being from public health advisors.

Travel: If you have recently travelled internationally, please stay home, self - isolate yourself,and refrain from attending the classes. Also, if you have travelled across different provinceswith-in Canada, it is mandatory to let us know in advance.

PARENTS: You can help! Please help your children read and understand these guidelines if youdecide to send them for their classes at the studio.We have given the full control to ourparents to make the decision of whether to send the children to the studio or continue theirclasses on ZOOM. We recommend to encourage the students to take safety as a priority andthen learn to keep themselves safe.