On the morning of10th of Nov, a nagar kirtan was carried out as a mark of respect to Guru Nanak Devji’s birthday. The residents celebrated it in pure spirits and great enthusiasm.
Nagar kirtan is a Punjabi term that means “singing and chanting shabads in the neighborhood”. The concept of nagar kirtan is to praise God and spread his messages by singing shabads at the doorstep of the community. The panj pyaare led the procession. The sangat behind Guru Granth Sahibji s palki sahib walks along, singing shabads.
It was a delightful sight to see every one of all religions gathered in large numbers to pay their respects. Children as young as three years old walked and sang shabads at various stalls in A,C D Block, and back to Gurudwara. Lots of activities were carried out inside the special buses arranged by the Gurudwara management committee. Thanks to the Gurudwara management committee, Dr. Preeti Ahuja, Dr. Jeeti Bawa, Ekta of Lil Khalsa, Saguna, all the mother volunteers, sewadaars, and of course, all the children who participated, the nagar kirtan was carried out beautifully.
Quizzes and sakhis on Guru Nanak Devji, explanations on certain rituals, the meaning of mool mantra, kept the kids engaged, and it was a great way of teaching them some religious values. The ladies kirtan jatha, walking behind the palki sahib, sang shabads, adding a divine charm to the nagar kirtan. The beautifully decorated palki sahib was showered with flower petals at every stoppage. Various stalls distributed langar parshaad.
A blissful day for all to remember and praise Guru Nanak Devji’s birthday.
Guru Nanak was a messiah of universal brotherhood. His two constant companions, Bala, a Hindu and Mardana, a Muslim, bear this fact. The world needs to follow this mindset.