THOUSANDS PARTICIPATE IN LEICESTER’S NAGAR KIRTAN

THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK

Report by
TARLOCHAN SINGH VIRK
CO – ORDINATOR
PUNJABI LISTENERS CLUB
LEICESTER

Leicester- Sikhs from across Leicestershire and surrounding areas converged for the annual Guru Nanak Gurpurb Nagar Kirtan on Sunday 16 November which has been organized by Guru Nanak Gurdwara and Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara for the last 40 years. The city of Leicester organizes two Nagar Kirtans every year.

Continues reciting of Sikh Scripture Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Sri Akhand Path Sahib) took place at both Gurdwaras which began on Friday 14 November at 11 am and were completed on Sunday 16 November at 10 am. Prayers for the celebration of Gurpurb and World peace were said at the main prayer halls of the Gurdwaras. A baptism ceremony took place at Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara on 15 November.

Guru Granth Sahib Ji was brought to the specially beautiful decorated lorry by the Head Priest of the Gurdwara over head height as is the tradition. Chaur Sahib – a ceremonial whisk was waved continuously by a volunteer over the Guru Granth Sahib as a sign of reverence and utmost respect. Guru Grant Sahib was covered in a very special cloth (Rumala Sahib) and with rose petals scattered over it.

Despite the very cold weather conditions thousands followed the colourful truck floats with Management Committees of both Gurdwaras working shoulder to shoulder . Religious Hymns were recited on one of the lorries throughout the Nagar Kirtan. Huge Drum was played to inform people Guru Granth Sahib Ji is following behind.

The Nagar Kirtan began at noon from Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara
Gurdwara, 106 East Park Road. It was led by the five beloved and took the route from East Park Road, St Stephens Road, Charles Street, Clock Tower, High Street and reached Guru Nanak Gurdwara 9 Holy Bones at about 2,30 pm. Religious Hymns, Ballad Singing and speeches by prominent local Sikhs took place in the main prayer hall of the Guru Nanak Gurdwara which informed the congregation about the life and teachings of Guru Nanak. Guru ka Langar was provided for everyone during the three days of Sri Akhand Pathh Sahib.

All those attending the Nagar Kirtan, covered extensively by newspapers, radio and tv channels, were very pleased to be taking part and thanked the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Many volunteers were happy to be blessed. Leicester’s Nagar Kirtan in celebration of founder of Sikh religion Guru Nanak left many happy memories and was memorable.

President of the Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Ajmer Singh Basra who has been serving the Sikh community of Leicester for more than four decades, speaking from the stage congratulated whole world on Guru Nanak Gurpurb and thanked Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Panj Pyare, Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara Management Committee, all media representatives, each and every volunteer and Guru Ji’s Sadh sangat Ji, and requested similar support from everyone at future Nagar Kirtans.