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Nagar Kirtan

By the blessings of the Guru, the 30th annual Nagar Kirtan was a big success. Over 75,000 came from all over the world to attend the celebrations on November 1, 2009.
The Management Committee of the Sikh Temple Gurdwara Yuba City thanks the many hundreds of volunteers for making this year’s celebration the best ever. We pray to the Guru so that we may return next year to carry on his work.

Youtube video of 30th Annual Nagar Kirtan

The celebration is in honor of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth of the Sikh Gurus, affirmed the sacred text Adi Granth as his successor, terminating the line of human Gurus, and elevating the text to Sri Guru Granth Sahib. From that point on, the text remained not only the holy scripture of the Sikhs, but is also regarded by them as the living embodiment of the Ten Gurus. The role of Guru Granth Sahib as a source of guidance is pivotal in worship of Sikhism.

‘Nagar’ means town and ‘Kirtan’ is a term that means singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book. The term, ‘Nagar Kirtan’ therefore describes the most essential feature of the procession which is recitation of hymns from Guru Granth Sahib through the streets of the town. The Nagar Kirtan is started with Panj Piyaras (5 beloved ones) who walk in front of the Sacred Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The Panj Piyaras are Amritdhari: – baptized Khalsa Singhs.

• The number five (5) is very significant as it was on the day of Vaisakhi 1699 that our Tenth Guru Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji created the order of Khalsa by baptizing 5 volunteers from each corner of India and from different backgrounds.
• These five (5) ‘Panj Piyaras’ were given this reference by our 10th Guru Ji himself as they selflessly presented themselves at the call for their lives.
• It was these Panj Piyaras who amongst 80,000 stood up and entered the tent where Guru Gobind Singh Ji asked for the head of his Beloved Sikhs.
• It was to everyone’s amazement that the Panj Piyaras came out of the tent alive and in glorious valor dressed in the 5 Ks, as they had the holy ceremony of Amrit Shakna performed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
• Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave so much honor to these Panj Piyaras as they were the 1st Amritdhari Singhs (baptized) that our Guru Ji himself bowed to the Panj Piyaras and took Amrit (Baptism) from them. This was followed by the entire sangat (worshippers) participating in the sacred ceremony of Amrit Shakna and the Khalsa Panth for formed.

In the Nagar Kirtan, many are not wearing any shoes regardless of weather conditions. They clean the road in front of the Panj Piyaras and our Sacred Guru Granth Sahib Ji out of respect The Sadh Sangat follows behind the main float singing the praises of Waheguru throughout the route. When participating in the Nagar Kirtan, one can truly reach a state of Nirvana when indulging in the singing of Kirtan while following the Sacred Guru Granth Sahib Ji. This is what the Nagar Kirtan is all about.

You will see young and old; Sikhs and non-Sikhs follow the Nagar Kirtan route. Along the procession route food and refreshment stands line the route and free food and refreshments are served as a gesture of seva. The Nagar Kirtan is concluded as the Sacred Guru Granth Sahib Ji enters the Gurdwara and the whole Sadh Sangat stands still for the Ardaas . The majority of the Sadh Sangat cover their heads, this is sign of respect for the presence of our Sacred Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
The color Orange dress is in honor of the Khalsa Panth, as the Panj Piyaras were robed in Orange, this is the color of the Khalsa.
AS IS THE SIKH BELIEF FREE MEALS ARE ALWAYS SERVED AND SHARED WITH ALL 365 DAYS OF THE YEAR