Hyderabad: Thousands of Sikhs Join Colourful Procession Celebrating Guru Nanak's Birth Anniversary
On Monday, thousands of devotees from the Sikh community in Hyderabad took part in a vibrant and colourful holy procession called Nagar Keertan. This event was part of the ongoing celebrations for the 555th Prakash Utsav, which marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. The anniversary will be celebrated on November 15.
Around 20,000 devotees participated in the grand procession, which featured a special performance of Gatka, a traditional Sikh martial art. Young Sikhs from the Kalgidhar Dashmesh Jatha and other Gatka groups from Punjab showcased their skills with blunt weapons, kirpans (Sikh ceremonial swords), and swords. Their performances were thrilling and captivated the audience as the procession moved through the city.
Another highlight of the event was a decorated vehicle that displayed the life history and teachings of Guru Nanak on an LED screen. The procession started from Gurudwara Saheb Secunderabad in the evening and passed through several key locations, including Manohar Talkies, Clock Tower, Bata, Patny Circle, Kingsway, Monda Market, and Alpha Hotel. Later in the night, it returned to the Gurudwara.
A member of the GSS Prabhandak Committee explained that the Nagar Keertan included the carrying of the holy scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji, on a beautifully adorned vehicle. It was followed by religious flag bearers (Nishaan Sahebans) and more demonstrations of Gatka by young Sikhs from Hyderabad and Punjab. The procession also featured Shabad Kirtan, a form of devotional singing performed by Keerthani Jathas (Sikh musical groups).
The main celebration, Prakash Utsav, will take place on November 15. On that day, a large gathering called Vishaal Deewan will be held at the Exhibition Grounds in Nampally.
Many participants expressed their joy in being part of the procession. Parineeti, a third-year degree student, shared, “We loved being part of the holy procession, where we offered prayers to Guru Nanak.”
Another devotee, Harpal Singh, mentioned, “For the past 18 years, my family and I have actively participated in this procession, especially to witness the mesmerising Sikh martial arts showcased by the youth.”
