CELEBRATING
VAISAKHI 1999




Nagar Kirtan - Southall
11th April 1999





NAGAR KIRTAN

Nagar Kirtan, literal meaning is "town and songs of praise", is used to describe the street processions which form an important part of Sikh culture and religious celebrations. The Nagar Kirtan is characterised by the reciting of hymns and scriptures from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib and singing of Kirtan. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a decorated float and together with Ragis (singers) and Gur-Sikhs, are taken through the streets. At the head of the procession, there will be Panj Piares (Five Beloved Ones) carrying Nishan Sahibs, followed by bands, vehicles and people walking behind the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The route marking the procession will be colourfully decorated with flags, khandas and bunting.





To give strength and encouragement to all Gur-Sikhs attending the Nagar Kirtan (procession), two Khalsa Panthies, young and old, in front of the Panj Piares, start the Nagar Kirtan on Sunday 11th April 1999 from Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Havelock Road, Southall.


The Panj Piares (Five Beloved Ones) and Five Gur-Sikhs leading the Nagar Kirtan.


Following the Panj Piares is The Sri Guru Granth Sahib laid out on a Golden Palki mounted on a flower covered float. Flanking the Panj Piares and the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, are 60,000 Gur-Sikhs of The Khalsa Panth reciting Kirtan as they slowly make their way through the Streets of Southall.


Gur-Sikh sewadars beating the drums to sound the victory to the Khalsa Panth.


Some of the 60,000 Gur-Sikhs who took part in the Nagar Kirtan.


Serving the Nagar Kirtan were a further several thousand sewadars providing Guru Ka Langar and parsad from the pavement and from vehicles following the Nagar Kirtan.



Gur-Sikhs following the Nagar Kirtan.




Gur-Sikhs enjoying the Nagar Kirtan.




Gur-Sikhs enjoying the Nagar Kirtan.



Gur-Sikhs completing the Nagar Kirtan near Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Park Road.



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