The 2025 annual Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan was held on Sunday, 13th April. As always, the Nagar Kirtan brought together hundreds of members of the Sikh community. Dressed in vibrant colours and predominately orange, the traditional colour of the Khalsa, Sikhs of all ages enjoyed reciting kirtan, paath and sharing langar together. They were warmly welcomed at each Gurdwara with langar. The local police force, volunteer stewards and the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade ensured everyone’s safety and kept the procession moving.
Nagar – town. Kirtan – singing spiritual hymns. These are held by the Sikh community to celebrate festivals by holding a public procession and sharing their joy with other communities.
A demonstration of Gatka (Sikh martial arts) was performed by young children and adults, dressed in traditional white and navy outfits at the start of the celebrations. Drumming on the Nagara, signalled the commencement of the Nagar Kirtan. It was led by the Panj Piyare (5 blessed ones), dressed in traditional orange and navy robes. A float with a canopy carried Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Sikhism’s holy scriptures), followed by the Sangat.
The 2025 Nagar Kirtan began at 10:30am at the Gurdwara Amrit Parchar Dharmik Diwan, Peckover Street. It continued to the Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurdwara (Wakefield Road), Shri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji Gurdwara, Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurdwara (Gobind Marg), Gurdwara Singh Sabha (Grant Street), Ramgarhia Gurdwara (Bolton Road), and ending at the Gurdwara Amrit Parchar Dharmik Diwan (Peckover Street).
Here are some pictures from the Nagar Kirtan – click any to view as a slideshow.
