Guru Tegh Bahadur's 350th martyrdom anniversary: Nagar Kirtan from Srinagar reaches Anandpur Sahib

The historic Nagar Kirtan, organised to commemorate the 350^th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, reached Anandpur Sahib on Sunday morning after a spiritually-charged journey that began from Srinagar on November 19. The sacred procession was received with a floral welcome by Punjab Cabinet Ministers Harjot Singh Bains and Harbhajan Singh ETO.

Originating from Gurdwara Patshahi Chhevin in Srinagar, the Nagar Kirtan passed through Jammu, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Garhshankar and Jajj Chowk before culminating at Anandpur Sahib, the birthplace of the Khalsa. The arrival of the Palki Sahib carrying Guru Granth Sahib, led by the Panj Pyare and Nishan Sahib, was a moment of deep reverence for devotees gathered along the route.

The ministers presented siropas to the Panj Pyare Sahibaan and Panj Nishaanchi Sahibaan who led the Nagar Kirtan. After offering prayers at Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, they installed the sacred form of Guru Granth Sahib at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib.

The Nagar Kirtan saw strong community participation, with Sant Baba Sewa Singh of Rampur Khera and several Sikh organisations extending it support. The Bhai Bachittar Singh Gatka Akhara from Hathur performed Gatka throughout the 544-km procession under Harpreet Singh’s leadership.

Devotees welcomed the Nagar Kirtan at every halt with great enthusiasm. In one instance, overwhelming participation delayed movement by nearly 15 hours on the stretch between Rampur Khera and Hoshiarpur. Langars were set up across towns and villages.

Organised with support from the Sikh community, the Punjab Government had initiated the Nagar Kirtan from Srinagar to honour the supreme sacrifice of ‘Hind Di Chadar’ Guru Tegh Bahadur. The culmination at Anandpur Sahib today marked a deeply emotional and historic moment for the Panth.