middlesbroughfaiths.org.uk

Sunday 10th May 2009

It is with great pleasure that the Sikh community announce a very special Sikh occasion, the first Nagar Kirtan to take place in Middlesbrough since the Sikhs arrived in the town and established their temple and community 50 years ago.

The term Nagar Kirtan refers to the procession of the Sikh congregation through the town singing holy hymns with the concept to bring the message of the Sikh faith to the doorsteps of the community. Leading the procession are the Panj Piyare who represent the first five members of the Sikh brotherhood and are dressed in traditional Sikh costume. Carried behind on a decorative float is the Sikh holy book ‘The Guru Granth Sahib’, together with priests singing hymns. Following this are dhol drummers, vehicles and the congregation carrying flags, khandas (religious Sikh symbols) and bunting.

The procession will start from the Sikh Temple which is located at 23 Lorne Street, Middlesbrough and will go up Newport Road, up Albert Road and meet at Middlesbrough Town Hall at approximately 12 noon. At the town Hall there will be speeches and festivities including a demonstration of ‘gatka’ which is a type of Sikh martial arts.

Following the display and speeches the procession will return towards the temple at approximately 1pm via Borough Road and Newport Road.

If you require further information please write to the temple. You can also visit the website www.manchestergurdwara.co.uk and Enter events and Nagar Kirtan gallery to see a recent Nagar Kirtan held in that city.

Yours faithfully

G H SINGH
General Secretary