Competition Rules

The participants shall be marked according to the judgement criteria set out below. Participants will receive zero marks for respective section if they don’t demonstrate any of these criteria during the performance.

Main assessment criteria

1.  Melody, beat and “sweetness” (sur, taal & Ras)

2.  Clear and correct pronunciation of Gurbani (Shudh Gurbani Ucharan)

3.  Introduction in Punjabi before starting to sing/play instrument.

4.  Adherence to time limit as below: (Marks will be deducted for going over the time limit.)

·       Solo singing below 8 years:          3- 5 Minutes

·       Solo singing 8 - 12 years:           4-7 Minutes

·       Solo groups aged 12 and above:     5- 8 Minutes.

·       Jatha below 12 years:                5-8 Minutes

·       Jatha above 12 years:                8-12 Minutes

·       Jatha above 25 years:                8-12 Minutes

·      Tabla and string instrument playing: 3-6 Minutes

Important points for Judgement criteria

1. Marks for difficult Taal i.e., Taal used other than Kehrwa and Dadra.

2. Marks for Raag banddish e.g. Using very high and very low Sur`s

3. Marks for singing in Raag in Which Gurbani is written. Singing in a tune or other than Nirdharit Raag means participant will receive zero marks for this section which will significantly lower overall score.

4. Marks for memorized Shabad without taking any help from Amrit Kirtan app or self-made notes.

5. Marks for displaying respect to “Guru Sahib” and Sangat from beginning to end.

6.  Etiquette’s reflection on face

7.  Clear and correct pronunciation in Punjabi accent by avoiding English accent.

8. Religious or traditional dress is not mandatory in solo performances but will be considered great.

9. It’s advisable to wear same uniform in Jatha performances to get full marks.

10. It’s important for age groups above 10 to Singing Shabads from memory Not using Mobile phone tablet or notebook.

11. Any kind of harmonium is allowed i.e. traditional Baja or electronic keyboard. We will provide the power plug and extension wire.

12. Please check the time sheet on our website for time limits for Shabad singing for all age groups.

Additional requirements for aged 12 and above:

1.  Introduction in Punjabi before starting to sing/playing instrument is compulsory.

2.  Memorization of the Shabad is compulsory.