Thousands of devotees gathered in Jalandhar on Friday as a grand Nagar Kirtan was held to celebrate the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The procession, organised by the management committee of Gurdwara Diwan Asthan Central Town with support from local Singh sabhas and congregations, began from Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Mohalla Gobindgarh, amid continuous shabads and the beat of nagaras.
Jalandhar Nagar Kirtan route and traffic arrangements
The procession, led by the five beloved ones (Panj Pyare), paraded through central Jalandhar and passed key points including S.D. College, Railway Road, Bharat Soda Water, Mandi Phantnganj, Gurdwara Diwan Asthan Central Town, Milap Chowk and Fagwara Gate. It continued via Bhagat Singh Chowk, Panjpeer Chowk and Khingran Gate before returning to the city and concluding at Gurdwara Diwan Asthan Central Town late in the evening.
Traffic authorities implemented comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and smooth movement of the Nagar Kirtan. According to ADC P.G.ajbaj Singh, police diverted traffic at 21 points and prohibited vehicle entry on designated routes until 10pm to avoid any obstruction to the procession. Drivers were asked to use alternative roads between 9am and 10pm to prevent delays and inconvenience.
The police also listed specific diversion points such as Madan Flour Mill Chowk, Alaska Chowk, T-Point Railway Station, Ikheri Pul, Domoria Pul, Kishanpura Chowk, Patel Chowk, Workshop Chowk, Kapurthala Chowk, Chikchik Chowk and Shastri Market Chowk. For assistance, the traffic helpline 0181-2227296 was made available to residents.
Community participation and cultural displays
The Nagar Kirtan showcased a vibrant mix of religious devotion and Punjabi culture. Participants included Sant samaj, Nihang Singh jathas, gatka akharas, dal panth groups, gurdwara congregations from across the city, musical bands and schoolchildren. The procession featured models and tableaux depicting Sikh history and messages of humanity and service.
Organisers appealed to congregations to attend with their families and to walk alongside Palki Sahib in an orderly manner. Community leaders present at the event included Mahinderjeet Singh, Gurbakhsh Singh Juneja, Davinder Singh Riyat, Kanwaljit Singh Tony, Sarabjit Singh Rajpal and Jasbir Singh Randhawa among others. Their presence helped maintain discipline and ensured that the event proceeded peacefully.
Local authorities urged residents to cooperate with police and volunteers to facilitate the smooth conduct of the Nagar Kirtan. The event forms part of wider Prakash Purab commemorations across Punjab, where similar processions and religious gatherings were held in villages and towns to honour the life and teachings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Photographs from the procession showed illuminated palkis, decorated floats and large congregations moving through the city streets. For visitors and devotees, the Nagar Kirtan offered both a spiritual experience and a public display of communal harmony.
Key Takeaways:
- Major Nagar Kirtan held in Jalandhar to mark Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Prakash Purab, drawing large crowds.
- Police implemented traffic diversions at 21 points to keep the procession route clear, with a helpline for public assistance.
- Procession featured five piyare, Nihang jathas, gatka akharas, bands and school contingents.
- Local organisers urged families to join the walk with Palki Sahib for a peaceful and orderly celebration.
