Prakash Parv: Over 10,000 devotees take part in ‘Nagar Kirtan’

Patna: On the second day of the three-day ‘Prakash Parv', commemorating the 358th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, more than 10,000 devotees took part in the grand ‘Nagar Kirtan' (religious procession) on Sunday. Guru Gobind Singh Ji was the tenth and last spiritual leader of the Sikhs and he established the Khalsa Panth.
The procession was led by the ‘Panj Pyare' (five beloved ones), adorned in their traditional attires, followed by a ‘Palki Sahib' (palanquin) carrying the Guru Granth Sahib (holy book) in a flower-adorned vehicle, accompanied by ‘Nishaan Sahibs' (Sikh flag). The celebration featured cultural activities, devotional hymns, and Shabad Kirtan Gurbani recitations with drum accompaniment and devotees engaging in various ceremonial activities throughout the procession.
The major attraction of the 1.5-km long procession was the scintillating performance of sword exercises called ‘gatka' (form of martial art), displays with blunt weapons and ‘kirpans', Ranjit Nagara (war drum) and school bands, and colourful presentations of horses, camels, and elephants in the procession.
The march started from Gai Ghat Gurdwara at 1pm and it passed by Patna City court, Paschim Darwaza, Khajekalan and Chowk, culminating at Takhat Shri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib Gurdwara at 7.30pm, where the devotees were welcomed by the gurdwara committee members.
Members of the committee and local people put up stalls of refreshment between Gai Ghat Gurdwara and Takhat Sri Harmandir Patna Sahib Gurdwara to provide snacks, juice and water to the devotees.
Mahendra Pal Singh Dhillon, a member of Takhat Sri Harmandir Ji Prabandhak Committee, told this reporter that over 10,000 devotees participated in the 5-km long religious procession, which started from Gai Ghat Gurdwara. "The procession was marked by the rendering of ‘shabad kirtan' (holy hymns) and ‘bhajan' by different ‘jathas' of men, women, and children. Altogether 50 horses, four camels and three elephants were part of the procession. Out of which around 40 horses were brought from Punjab," he said.
"Thousands of people, including 5,000 from abroad, came to the state capital for the grand celebration. The committee, along with the district administration and the state govt, made elaborate arrangements for their comfortable stay in the tent city and other accommodations including Punjab Bhavan, Kangang Ghat among others," Dhillon said.
He added: "Arrangements for ‘langar' were made at different locations, including Patna Sahib Gurdwara, Kangan Ghat, Bal Leela Gurdwara, Gai Ghat Gurdwara, and community hall. ‘Langar' was served to over 2 lakh devotees in the gurdwara premises."
The main function will be held on Monday at Patna Sahib Gurdwara, starting from 9 am, during which ‘katha' (story-telling) and ‘kirtan' will be organised. The committee members anticipated that the VIP guests would arrive at the gurdwara in the afternoon.
Inderjeet Singh, who lives in Calgary, Canada and owns a fuel station there, came to the town for the celebration. Harbhanj Singh Sidhu, who also lives in Canada, came with his family. "Since I am a retired person, I attend all these events. Patna Sahib gurdwara is the most sacred place for us," he said.
Among the other devotees who came from foreign countries were Malkit Singh from New York, Amrit Pal Singh and Gurucharan Singh from Australia, and Durjeet Kaur from Edmond.