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Its December and for Sikhs all over the UK that means three massive Kirtan smagams to look forward to.

Sangat from all over the UK and Europe take time out even at this busy and festive time of the year to attend. So what is it that draws sangat from all over UK and even Europe to these smagams?

Well first up theres the Annual Manchester Keertan Smagam which takes place in (yep, you guessed it!) Manchester. Its in its 9th year having begun at the beginning of the decade. The Gurdwara is quite small for such a large smagam, but it works. The organisers bring in some of the most demanded keertani of today including Bhai Manpreet Singh (Ludhiana / Kanput) and Bhai Amolak Singh (Australia). What I am looking forward to more than anything though is Bhai Manjit Singh (Glasgow) who hasnt been around much this year due to problems with his back. The smagam begins on 10th December and finished on Sunday 13th December at 5am in the morning. Theres keertan on each of those evenings and Asa Di Vaar in the mornings. I would definitely recommend all sangat who are able to attend to get to Manchester this weekend and to join the keertani in Gurbani Keertan bliss.

The week after that, theres the Annual Akhand Keertan Smagam organised by AKJ (UK). This begins on 16th December and finishes at 5am on Sunday 20th December. Unlike previous smagams, theres a lot more veechaar sessions this year and having heard the speakers such as Bhai Surjit Singh before, I would definitely recommend attending those sessions if you can to get a deeper, more spiritual insight into Naam, Bani and Simran. There hasnt been much word of which Keertanis have been scheduled to attend but I imagine some of the Keertani attending the Manchester Smagam the week before, will be there. This smagam is normally a youth smaga where the young generation is given a chance to lead the sangat in Keertan and simran.

And finally, two days after that, theres the Annual Barsi Smagam of Baba Thakur Singh Jee who left this Earth in December 2004. Baba Jee was one of the most revered Gursikhs of our generation and every year, the UK saadh sangat organise a special programme in his rememberance. One of my own personal favourite Keertani Bhai Onkaar Singh Una Sahib Wale is expected to attend and I cant wait. Theres an amrit sanchaar taking place as well on Christmas eve so if you haven't already given your head to the Guru, theres no time like the present. The keertan and katha is always really moving and well paced. Its a beautiful smagam in which to relax, listen, absorb and meditate.

So thats the three smagams in a quick summary for you. If you can attend all three then do so. It isn't all about the keertani or who organises it. Its about coming together as one to commemorate the Shaheedi of the Sahibzadey, the Shaheedi of the Singhs who were shot by Indian police at the beginning of this month and remembering great souls such as Baba Thakur Singh Ji and pray for a united, stronger Khalsa panth. See you there.