30,000 join 7-km long Nagar Kirtan to mark Parkash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev

Over 30,000 students and staff from 21 educational institutions under the Khalsa College Governing Council (KCGC) took part in a 7-km-long Nagar Kirtan from Khalsa College to the Golden Temple on Tuesday to commemorate the 556th Parkash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev.

The grand procession, organised with deep religious fervour, began before sunrise as the city resonated with the sound of Gurbani. Led by Sri Guru Granth Sahib placed in a beautifully decorated palanquin and accompanied by the Panj Pyaras (five beloved ones), the participants marched in devotion, chanting hymns and raising slogans of ‘Bole So Nihal’ and ‘Nanak Aya, Jagat Jagaya’.

Students, staff and community members performed Gatka, the traditional Sikh martial art, along the route, displaying sword and staff skills in synchronised formations that symbolised courage, discipline and the defence of righteousness. The procession also featured bands, physical training drills and drum beats as it passed through GT Road, Putlighar, Sadar, Railway Station, Bhandari Bridge, Hall Gate and Town Hall.

Khalsa University Pro-Chancellor and KCGC secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina, vice-chancellor Dr Mehal Singh, principals, deans and staff members joined the procession and extended greetings to the community.

“The world is full of divisions and strife. There is so much violence and ill-will. The world must adopt the message of the Guru, which is welfare of the whole mankind,” said Chhina, adding that the Nagar Kirtan was among the largest organised anywhere during Gurpurab celebrations in keeping with Khalsa traditions.

Khalsa College principal Dr Atam Singh Randhawa, along with other academicians from the KCGC-run institutions, also participated in the religious event.