What is Nagar Kirtan? The Moving Spiritual Celebration of the Sikh Community

Walking down the alleys of Amritsar, you would hear a rhythmic chant, followed by the beats of drums, especially during the time of the holy months or festivities. This is the surreal display of Nagar Kirtan—a moving spiritual celebration that’s as much about faith as it is about the Sikh community. As Baisakhi is around the corner, you will witness this religious procession through the streets. Here’s your cue to learn about its importance and why and where it is celebrated in Amritsar.

What is Nagar Kirtan?

Simply breaking down, “Nagar” means town or city and “Kirtan” refers to the singing of religious hymns. It is basically a procession on the streets, accompanied by the singing of Gurbani (hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, the religious text of Sikhs). The Kirtan was initially started by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith, to spread his teachings of the oneness of God, universal equality, and the importance of living a virtuous life within the community. Throughout his extensive travels, known as Udasis, Guru Nanak carried this message far and wide through the medium of Kirtans, and so they became a part of the Sikh culture and celebrations. 

Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, took this legacy forward and organised the Nagar Kirtans, a form which is now widely followed by the Sikhs during various festivals and gatherings. The procession is led by the 'Panj Pyare,' or the "Five Beloved Ones," who are dressed in traditional Sikh attire, including blue robes and turbans, carrying swords. As the procession moves through the streets, Sikhs sing Kirtan (devotional hymns) from the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, along with musical instruments like tabla, harmonium and manjiras (symbols).

What Happens in Nagar Kirtan?  

The Kirtan is also accompanied by Gatka (a Sikh Martial art form) and followed by a seva or langar, which are the core of the Sikh philosophy of selfless service. Langar (the community kitchen) is an integral part of a Sikh celebration, as distributing food is regarded as one of the purest forms of selfless service. In modern times, Nagar Kirtans have a lot of educational and religious stalls and showcases to educate people about the philosophies of oneness and peaceful living. 

These processions are mostly performed during Baisakhi or Vaisakhi, the harvest festival of Sikhs and Gurpurab, the birth of the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak. If you really want to witness the valour of Nagar Kirtan, Amritsar is the heartland for it. Here are some of the prominent places where you can witness Nagar Kirtan in Amritsar:

Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib): Most Nagar Kirtans in Amritsar either begin or conclude here. During Guru Nanak Jayanti, the entire area around the temple is illuminated with lights, and the Nagar Kirtan becomes a moving ocean of faith and music.

From Gurdwara Ramsar Sahib or Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj Sahib, these gurdwaras sometimes serve as the starting points of Nagar Kirtans on different Gurpurabs.

Procession Routes: The kirtan often passes through Hall Bazaar, Guru Bazaar, Katra Ahluwalia, and other central areas, drawing thousands of devotees and onlookers.