Review of Current Nagar Kirtans

Historic Trend

Nagar Kirtans started of in Punjab, but the old Nagar Kirtans weren’t like the ones we see today. At Amrit-vela early in the morning when people used to go to the local Gurdwara on the way they would Sing Kirtan, people came out of their houses when they heard the Kirtan and joined the Nagar Kirtan. Therefore a lot of people walked to the Gurdwara in the form of sangat. Infact everyday there could be a few Small Nagar Kirtans in one pind (village) as people got together from different directions. So these types of Nagar Kirtans used to happen every Amrit-vela.

Why was they done?

• Act as an alarm for the people still sleeping.
• For spiritual benefit of the soul (better then talking crap on the way to a Gurdwara).
• They formed some sort of safety for the common civilian who wanted to go to the Gurdwara at Amrit-vela when it is dark (Punjab had no lights in them days and thieves and rapists used to work at night).

Current Trend

These days Nagar Kirtans are conducted in a different manner for a different objective. Instead of going to the Gurdwara the Nagar Kirtan starts from the Gurdwara and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is paraded with Sangat across local streets. The idea is to show the local community Sikh principals of sharing, as food is distributed by Sikhs to all without discrimination and to spread awareness of the Sikh faith.

Positive aspects

• Links with other Sikhs are made.
• Good day to get Parchaar (guidance) out to the Sangat.
• Shows unity.

Negative Aspects

• The dress sense of a lot of people is a disgrace (some people forget they are in Sangat form) they wear enticing clothing. The men mostly wear caps and hoodies instead of ramals. They show of their Tattoos and big chests. It’s more of a pulling field (flirting) then anything else for a lot of youth.
• The Dhol has been introduced which creates a carnival atmosphere; people start to dance and sing explicit lyrics. (More of a Nagar Bhangra then Nagar Kirtan Scene is created).
• An opportunity for non-Sikhs to wear Karas (pretend to be Sikhs) and deceive our women folk.
• Some people bring intoxications and are buzzing throughout the procession.
• Young couples meet up and sneak of to side roads and parks to indulge in lustful activities.
• A lot of the above activities portray Sikhs in the wrong way and brings shame and dishonour to our nation.

Conclusion

The Nagar Kirtans these days seem to have more of a negative aspect and I see the situation worsening unless more measures are put in to improve the standards.

The Dhol should be completely taken out of the Nagar Kirtan, unless it is used for a Gatka demo. The Dhols rightful place is in a club or wedding party not a Nagar kirtan being led by Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

– By Harpreet Kaur (15) Hackney East London