
Pic: Style Photo Service
Hyderabad, November 10, 2024 – The Sikh community in Hyderabad and Secunderabad is preparing for the grand celebration of the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. From November 11 to November 15, 2024, devotees will honor Guru Nanak’s message of peace and communal harmony with a series of vibrant events, including holy processions, congregations, and night Keertan Darbars.
Two Major Nagar Keertans (Holy Processions) Planned
The first Nagar Keertan will be organized by Gurudwara Saheb Secunderabad on November 11, starting at 4 p.m. The procession will travel through Manohar Talkies, Clock Tower, Bata, Patny Circle, Kingsway, Monda Market, and Alpha Hotel, culminating at the Gurudwara Saheb Secunderabad. Thousands of devotees are expected to join, and the procession will feature the Guru Granth Sahib, the revered Sikh scripture, carried on a beautifully decorated vehicle. Devotees will carry Nishaan Sahebans (religious flags), while Shabad Keertans (holy hymns) will be sung by Jatha Tera Jatha, Istri Satsang, and various Keerthani Jathas. “Panj Pyaras” (five beloved ones) will lead the procession in traditional attire, and the renowned Sikh martial art, Gatka, will be performed by the Dashmesh Kalgidhar Jatha and other groups.
The second Nagar Keertan will commence from Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Afzalgunj on November 13 at 4 p.m. This procession will proceed through Afzalgunj, Siddiambar Bazar, Jambagh, Putli Bowli, and Central Gurudwara Saheb Gowliguda before returning to Gurudwara Singh Sabha, Afzalgunj by evening. Similar to the first procession, it will feature devotional hymns, traditional Panj Pyaras, and Gatka demonstrations.
Vishaal Deewan (Mass Congregation) on November 15
The main Prakash Utsav celebrations will take place on November 15 at the Exhibition Grounds in Nampally, where a Vishaal Deewan (mass congregation) will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Approximately 25,000 to 30,000 devotees are expected to attend. The congregation will include Gurbani Keertans (holy hymns) performed by distinguished Ragi Jathas invited from across India. Renowned Ragis like Bhai Lakhwinder Singh Ji from Golden Temple, Bhai Amarjeet Singh from Patiala, and others will deliver Shabad Keertans and sermons, emphasizing Guru Nanak’s teachings of peace, equality, and humanity. Following the congregation, a Guru Ka Langar (free community meal) will be served.
Night Keertan Darbars on November 14 and 15
In addition, Night Keertan Darbars are scheduled for November 14 and November 15. The first will be held at Gurudwara Saheb Secunderabad from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and the second at Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Afzalgunj from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., where prominent Ragi Jathas will continue their hymns.
This extensive series of events, organized by the Prabhandak Committees of Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, aims to celebrate Guru Nanak’s legacy and to inspire the community to carry forward his message of universal brotherhood and spiritual harmony.