Kirtan standard at PSU annual has ‘greatly improved’

Ipoh, Malaysia | Asia Samachar | 2 May 2015

The standard of performance at Malaysia’s longest running annual kirtan competition has been steadily improving, a sign that some parents are paying attention to this integral practice of the Sikh faith.

“The standards have greatly improved over the years,” said Dr Ranjoth Singh, the organising chairman of the National Kirtan Competition organised by the Perak Sikh Union (PSU).

He has been chairing the competition held at Ipoh, Perak, for the last 26 years.

The 26th annual of the competition took place yesterday at the Wadda Gurdwara Ipoh.

Thirty two jathas (groups) took part in the one-day competition divided into four age-wise category and a fifth category for the traditional gargaaj style kirtan.

“I agree that the standard at the competition is very high, with most jathas performing classical compositions,” said one parent, who is himself an accomplished kirtani, told the Asia Samachar.

In his address, chief judge Prof Gurcharan Singh from Singapore pointed out the finer points of Gurmat sangeet and how ultimately the focus should be on the shabad.

“Every Sikh should make it a point to sing kirtan daily. It is a medium to embrace the divine message of Gurbani,” he said.

The other two judges were Gurmukh Singh and Harminder Kaur.

THE WINNERS:

Group A: Chardikala Jatha, Butterworth

Group B: SGGS Sangeet Academy Patna Jatha

Group C: Gurmat Sangeet Jatha, KL.

Group D: Ishvar Jatha, KL.

Group E (Gargaaj category): Gurdwara Sahib Pulapol Jatha, KL

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