Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

‘Nagar Keertan’ taken out

— PHOTO: G. KRISHNASWAMY

CONTINUING TRADITION: A Sikh demonstrates ‘gatka’, a traditional martial art form during the Nagar Keertan at Gurudwara Saheb in Secunderabad on Tuesday.

HYDERABAD: As part of the ongoing 539th birthday celebrations of first Sikh guru Sri Guru Nanak Dev, a colourful holy procession (Nagar Keertan) was taken out on Tuesday.

Jointly organised by the Prabandhak committees of Gurudwara Saheb in Secunderabad and Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Afzalgunj, over 25,000 Sikh devotees participated in the procession.

The sacred scripture of Sikhs -- Guru Granth Sahib -- was taken out in a beautifully decorated vehicle followed by religious flag-bearers also called ‘Nishaan Sahebans’ and ‘Panj Pyaras’ (five beloved ones).

Sikh youth enthralled the bystanders with Gatka, an ancient Sikh martial art form. Shabad keertans were rendered by the keertani jathas of men, women and youth alike.

Starting from Gurudwara Saheb, Secunderabad the procession proceeded through Monda Market, Patny Circle, Paradise Circle, M.G. Road, Tank Bund Road and Nampally before reaching Exhibition Grounds. It then proceeded through M.J. Market, Putli Bowli and Gowliguda before reaching Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Ashok Bazaar late in the evening.

The birthday of Guru Nanak Dev falls on Thursday and will be marked by ‘Vishaal Deewan’ or mass congregation at NTR Stadium from 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. where people from different communities are expected to take part.

The event will be marked by recitations of holy hymns by religious preachers from various parts of the country. The congregation will be followed by free community lunch, Guru Ka Langar.

There will also be night congregation (Keertan Darbars) on Wednesday and Thursday.

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