On Sept. 3, 2023, I had the honour of seeing Abbotsford come alive at the Nagar Kirtan festival. This gathering of individuals from all ethnic backgrounds was a striking illustration of the inclusivity that Sikh customs and culture represent. Thousands of people attended the celebration thanks to Gurdwara Kalgidhar Darbar Sahib‘s kind organization, and it was clear why it won their hearts. This year’s Nagar Kirtan was nothing short of spectacular, and I felt privileged to be there.
The procession initiated with an Ardas: a prayer to God, at the Gurdwara Kalgidhar Darbar Sahib proceeding to the parade. Winding its way through the streets, the parade was headed by various floats adorned with lavish decorations, lights, and symbols from Sikh heritage. Groups of people sang prayers and gave speeches on the teachings by the gurus, but the foremost float was the one with Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scriptures. Attendees of all ages dressed in vibrant traditional outfits. On top of that, I witnessed performances like sword fighting, the singing of hymns and prayers, and marching with flags.
The captivating ambiance was produced by the melodious singing and the drumming, which drew spectators and participants alike into the festivities of the Nagar Kirtan. Moreover, local schools like Khalsa School and some local organizations participated in the parade, with their floats highlighting the community’s diversity and unity. As people from all over the city lined the parade route, local officials maintained the orderly conduct of the event; and to guarantee the attendees’ safety and wellbeing, police officers and medical professionals were also on hand.
The origins of Nagar Kirtan can be traced in the holy scriptures of the Sikh religion by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founding father of Sikhism. The Sikhs’ dedication to spreading their faith via music, prayer, and community service is shown in this act. “Kirtan” denotes the singing of hymns in a devoted manner, while the term “Nagar” denotes a town or a city. Nagar Kirtan, then, is a community procession that includes hymn singing and prayer in open areas.
The idea of Langar, a free communal kitchen that provides meals to everyone, regardless of their origin or social status, is the core of the Nagar Kirtan experience. The participants had home cooked meals that were made and served by volunteers. In addition, all the delicacies were completely financed by volunteers who worked diligently behind the scenes. Along the route, there were all sorts of food vendors; from traditional Indian food and sweets, to pizza and ice cream — and anybody could eat for free. There were even devotees who volunteered to provide cleaning services after the procession. I was impressed when I learned that the event was fully funded by people who were willing to contribute selflessly. “For almost six years, I’ve never missed this event,” said Simran Sanghera, one of the attendees. “It’s amazing to see how our community comes together, and welcomes other cultures.” The Nagar Kirtan parade served as a prime example of how individuals from across various socioeconomic levels can come together and celebrate in a culture of warmth and oneness.
Hello, I’m Gauri Sethi, a passionate staff writer at the Cascade responsible for writing content that resonates with the masses. Currently, I am pursuing business administration, but deep down, I am a person who loves expressing herself through writing.
