Rules and Guidelines

Age Groups and Group Requirements

In Gurbani Kirtan, the Shabad is always supreme. Music is a tool to support the message of the Shabad, not to overpower it. At no point should musical talent, composition, or performance take precedence over the divine message. Our focus must remain on the spiritual essence and the connection to Guru’s Baani.

1. Age Groups

  • Junior Group: Age 13–18
  • Senior Group: Age 19–32
  • Younger (Underage): Participants may accompany, but the main participant must fall within the required age group.
  • Tabla players may be under or over age due to limited availability.

2. Group Size & Instrumentalist Guidelines:

  • Each Jatha (group) must consist of a maximum of 6 members, including the Tabla player.
  • Instrumentalists who are not singing (Non-singer musicians) are allowed as part of the Jatha.
  • These instrumentalists may be students, teachers, or Ustads (masters).

3. Uniform Rules and Regulations

  • All participants must wear traditional Sikh attire — not casual or western clothing (e.g. pants, shirts, etc.).
  • All jatha members must wear the same uniform.
  • Example: White kurta, navy blue chunni/dastar
  • Color and style can be decided by the jatha or their teacher.
  • Male Participants
  • Must wear a dastar or dumala.
  • Patka is not permitted.
  • Female Participants
  • Head must be covered with either a chunni, dastar, or dumala.

4. Gurbani, Raag Requirements, and Respect

  • Shabad must be strictly from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (SGGSJ).
  • Extra words outside of Gurbani are strictly prohibited (e.g. “Wah Wah,” “Piyare”).
  • Raags not found in SGGSJ Gurbani are not allowed.
  • Any Raag from SGGSJ Gurbani is permitted.
  • Mishrat Raags (e.g. Raag Gauri Deepki) from SGGSJ Gurbani are allowed.
  • Mishrat Raags not from SGGSJ Gurbani are not allowed.
  • Raag introductions are not mandatory due to time constraints, but judges may ask questions regarding the Raag after the performance.

5. Manglacharan Rules and Regulations

  • Manglacharan must be from Gurbani.
  • Manglacharan can be sung in taal or without taal.
  • The Manglacharan and the Shabad must be in the same Raag for consistency.

6. Partaal and Shaan Rules

  • A Shabad labeled as Partaal in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji must be sung in the traditional Partaal style only.
  • No other Shabad may be sung in Partaal style.
  • Shaan with instrument is allowed but not mandatory.
  • Shaan must fit within the allotted time limit.

7. Instrument Rules and Restrictions

  • All instruments must be tuned before coming on stage
  • Once the green light turns on, your performance time begins.
  • Two harmoniums will be provided on stage (for performance only, not for practice).
  • Tanti saaj (e.g. dilruba, taus, etc.) and tabla will not be provided — participants must bring their own.
  • Tanti saaj (e.g. dilruba, taus, etc.) and tabla will not be provided — participants must bring their own.
  • Electronic tanpura is allowed
  • Electronic keyboard, electric piano, or synthesizer is not allowed.
  • Repeating for emphasis: Extra words outside of Gurbani are prohibited (e.g. “Wah Wah,” “Piyare”).

8. Tabla Player Exception:

  • May be under or over the age limit due to limited availability. Under their age group, Side partners are allowed in both Groups 
  • Due to a limited number of Tabla players, we are allowing one Tabla player to accompany up to two Jathas.
  • This exception applies only to the Tabla player and does not affect the maximum group size (6 members per Jatha, including Tabla player).

9. Taans:

  • Bol taans and akaar taans are allowed; however, the importance and essence of the Shabad must remain the top priority. Sur taans are not permitted

10. Parmaan and Alaap

  • Parmaans from Gurbani are allowed. Alaaps are also permitted

11. Time Limit

  • Each group is allowed a maximum of 10 minutes for their performance and must not exceed this time limit.

12. Participants

  • Participants must come with a complete Jatha, including a Tabla player and side participants. Musicians will not be provided by the organizers.

13. Arrival & Verification

  • Participants must arrive at least one hour before the program begins.
  • Participants must sign in and verify their child’s date of birth using a health card or other government-issued identification.

14. Respect for Participants & Environment

  • Silence must be maintained in the Diwan Hall to respect all performers.
  • Attendees are encouraged to listen attentively and support all Jathas by spending as much time as possible in the hall.