Nagar Kirtan leaves for Fatehgarh Sahib

On occasion of the 350th Martyrdom Day of the ninth Sikh master, Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib, the Nagar Kirtan, which reached Ludhiana last night from the Jagraon side, left for Fatehgarh Sahib today from Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib. Before leaving, the Nagar Kirtan passed through several areas of the city.

Hundreds of devotees gathered near the gurdwara to have a glimpse of the Nagar Kirtan, which will go to Sri Anandpur Sahib as the state government is holding an event to commemorate 350th martyrdom day.

The Palki Sahib was beautifully decorated with flowers. Religious fervour prevailed, while devotees recited shabads in the presence of Panj Piaras. The devotees walked alongside the Palki Sahib with utmost respect. The continuous kirtan left the devotees spellbound. Prasad was distributed among devotees on the entire route through which the Nagar Kirtan passed. The sewadars also offered snacks and water to devotees. The roads were properly cleaned before the kirtan passed through several areas of the city. The devotees included men, women, children and senior citizens who prayed and walked along with the Nagar Kirtan.

The Ludhiana rural police accorded a ceremonial guard of honour to the Palki Sahib carrying Sri Guru Granth Sahib, while devotees showered flower petals in reverence. The Nagar Kirtan halted at the Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib for a few hours. Tdoay, around 10 am, the Nagar Kirtan resumed its journey from the gurdwara.

Before leaving the city, the Nagar Kirtan went from Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib—JMD Mall—Clock Tower Chowk—Chand Cinema Bridge—Jalandhar bypass chowk—Karabara Chowk—Shivpuri Chowk—Basti Jodhewal Chowk—Samrala Chowk—Oswal Chowk—Sherpur Chowk—Giaspura Chowk—Dhandari Kalan—Jugiana Chowk—Sahnewal—Doraha—Khanna and entered Fatehgarh Sahib district.

Massive traffic jams witnessed in city

Though the authorities claimed that vehicles were diverted on other routes for the convenience of public, while the Nagar Kirtan passed through Ludhiana, most roads connecting interior parts of the city, witnessed huge traffic jams for at least three hours.

The traffic jams were witnessed on Mall Road, at Fountain Chowk, Kailash Chowk, on Domoria bridge and on roads going towards Mata Rani Chowk and the railway station. Serpentine queues of vehicles stuck in jams were seen on roads.

The residents rued that while commuting on the road heading from Deepak Cinema to Fountain Chowk, it took one hour to pass through the stretch, whereas on routine days, it did not take more than 10 to 15 minutes. The residents said as no police personnel was deployed to regulate traffic, vehicles coming from all directions converged at one spot leading to massive traffic jams.