First ‘Green Nagar Kirtan’ arrives at Nirmal Kutia in Sultanpur Lodhi

The inaugural ‘Green Nagar Kirtan’ dedicated to the 556th Prakash Purab of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji arrived at Nirmal Kutia near the sacred Kali Bein in Sultanpur Lodhi after a 28-kilometer journey from Gurdwara Gursar Sahib, Safailabad. The event, led by the Panj Pyare and accompanied by the chanting of “Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal,” highlighted both spiritual devotion and environmental responsibility.

During the procession, Seechewal, an environmentalist and key figure in the event, distributed 3,500 saplings as prasad to devotees, who accepted the plants with great enthusiasm. The distribution was part of Seechewal’s larger effort to raise awareness about the environmental crisis in Punjab and across India. He appealed to farmers to avoid burning stubble (parali) and instead mix it into the soil, promoting better crop yields, particularly for potatoes.

Seechewal took the opportunity to address the growing environmental concerns in Punjab, expressing deep worry about the state’s deteriorating ecosystem. He thanked the devotees for their continued efforts in the restoration of the Kali Bein, a river once blessed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, which has been revived through their collective action over the last 25 years. He also highlighted similar efforts to clean the polluted Budha Darya river.

Rajya Sabha Member Balbir Singh Seechewal, a prominent speaker at the event, pointed out the alarming levels of air pollution in Delhi and Punjab following Diwali. He noted that Delhi’s air quality index had surpassed 1100, while Punjab’s air quality had exceeded 400, both far above the safe threshold of 0 to 50. Sant Seechewal emphasised the importance of following Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings, particularly regarding the sanctity of the air, water, and earth, which he had elevated to the status of Guru, father and mother, respectively.

He also called for widespread tree planting across Punjab, urging the people to nurture these trees as a means to combat global warming. “If we plant trees on a large scale and take care of them, we are truly following Baba Nanak’s message,” said Sant Seechewal, stressing that air, water and earth are not just for human use but for the preservation of the planet itself.

Before the Nagar Kirtan began, Gatka performers showcased their martial skills, and young children captivated the audience with their beautiful kirtan. Among the attendees were Sant Amrik Singh Khukhrenwale, Mahatma Muni of Khera Bet, Sant Sukhjit Singh, Surjit Singh Shanti, and Sultanpur constituency in-charge Sajjan Singh Cheema. The Nagar Kirtan was warmly welcomed by village panchayats, youth clubs, and other community leaders from the surrounding areas.