Sikh Youth New Zealand (SYNZ), a community organisation, run by young Sikh individuals is bringing Youth Kirtan Diwan, a celebration of local and regional talents singing praises of the Akaal Purakh in Saadh Sangat.
Youth Kirtan Diwan is being held for the second time since its first show in 2017, which was a massive success in terms of participation, content and presentation. Sikh Youth NZ aims to make this event conducted four times a year, at a different gurudwara each time to make it more popular for young musicians and singers.
“Youth Kirtan Diwan is a prestigious celebration of local and regional talent where non-professional Jathas (bands) commemorate the greatest gift granted by our gurus – to be able to sing the praises of the Akaal Purakh in Saadh Sangat,” Navjot Singh Gulati from SYNZ told The Indian Weekender.
The organisers have incorporated a variety of other instruments and styles of music to bring the Sangat, a fusion between Kirtan and modern music while ensuring all rules regarding Kirtan are abided by.
“Our very talented musicians will be playing instruments like the mandolin and veena along with the classic harmonium and tabla to name a few, with a mixture of qawalli and classical style,” Mr Gulati added.
This year the Kirtan Diwan will be held at Kolmar Road Gurudwara, Sri Dasmesh Darbar in Papatoetoe on Saturday, September 1 from 6 p.m. onwards and the event is open to Sikhs and non-Sikhs of all ages, regardless of background or faith.
The aim of this event is also to encourage the youth of Auckland to connect with Guru Ji and to demonstrate how to practically apply Guru Ji’s teachings through Kirtan in day-to-day life.
“If you are a musician or would be keen to help in future Youth Diwan's, feel free to contact us on the details provided below and we would love to have you on board,” Mr Gulati appealed.
“Post-Diwan, Langar will be served where there will be a variety of delicious food to choose from. The food served will be for free, i.e. sponsored by well-wishers. So, prepare yourself for an eventful evening and experience Kirtan done by the youth of New Zealand like never before,” he added.