In the memory of most renowned Raagi of Sikh history, Bhai Heera Singh ji, a Keertan competition was organised in Sydney by the ‘Sikh Keertan Parchar Mission of Sydney’ on 18th and 19th of July 2008 in Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Revesby, Sydney.
A record number of 195 keertanias of all ages (from 5 yrs to 21 yrs) took part in the competition. Keertan was performed in Solo, Group and Instrument categories. The participation is growing year after year and this year's growth was 31.7%.
For the first time this year, youth were encouraged to manage all the affairs for this competition i.e. starting from selection of days of competition, planning for events, changes required to run it even smoothly e.g. doing registrations two weeks before competition and then up to managing the stage and making spot decision on the day etc.
The first group was up to the age of five years where about 15 children took part and the youngest one was only two and half. Some of them could hardly reach and play harmonium. Many of them sang Shabads in their sweet voices without using any instrument and from their memories.
Most of the participants sang Shabads in most difficult Ragaas from Guru Granth Sahib ji and some of them even clubbed many ragaas in single shabad and sang same shabad in different ways. I am sure that judges have had very difficult time in cutting any marks, as almost all of the participants were finishing just on top bracket. The participation was so overwhelming that there was hardly any time for lunch or tea breaks and the competition went on and on, until 10pm both nights.
Special request to organizers – please raise the age limit, as some of the participants who started taking part seven years ago are reaching age of 21 and don’t want to miss the opportunity to sing the praise of Waheguru ji.
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