Punjab Newsline,Jalandhar
The sacred Nagar Kirtan that commenced from Gurdaspur, Punjab, reached Jalandhar late Sunday night, where city residents and the administration accorded it a grand and traditional welcome. Dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Hind Di Chadar, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, the Nagar Kirtan entered Jalandhar around 1 a.m. on Saturday night via Kapurthala and Kartarpur. On its arrival, Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal was present to formally welcome the procession and offer prayers.
Keeping the arrival of the Nagar Kirtan in mind, the Jalandhar Traffic Police diverted 11 major routes in the city. The administration stated that due to the large number of devotees and the long journey of the procession, changes in traffic were essential to avoid congestion. Additionally, the district administration declared a half-day leave for all schools and colleges so students and staff would not face inconvenience due to the traffic restrictions.
When the Nagar Kirtan reached Pattar Kalan village in Kartarpur, several dignitaries including the area MLA Balkar Singh, SSP Jalandhar (Rural) Harvinder Singh Virk, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development) Jasbir Singh, and Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) Navdeep Kaur joined the devotees in paying homage to Guru Sahib. Throughout the route, devotees welcomed the procession by spreading flowers. Local residents had also arranged drinking water and community meals (langar) to ensure that the devotees did not face any difficulties.
With the entry of the Nagar Kirtan into Jalandhar, a deeply spiritual atmosphere was witnessed across the entire route. Hymns (kirtan), morning devotional rounds (prabhat pheris), traditional drums, and continuous prayers were seen at various points. Small and large gurdwaras, religious organizations, and social groups set up welcome tents. Several volunteer groups served hot tea, cold water, fruits, prasad, and meals to the devotees.
Security arrangements were also tightened to ensure the procession moved smoothly. The police deployed additional forces at key intersections, religious places, and crowded areas. Surveillance was carried out using CCTV cameras and drones to maintain peace and order throughout the event.
Religious leaders said that the historic Nagar Kirtan marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib brings a message of harmony, brotherhood, and sacrifice to society. The procession will continue through various parts of Jalandhar, and in the coming days, an even larger gathering of devotees is expected along the route.