Prakash Parv Celebrations: Sikh Community Takes Out Vibrant Procession in Tribute to Guru Gobind Singh Ji
JAMMU, Jan 3: The Sikh community of Jammu celebrated the Prakash Parv (birthday) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj with great enthusiasm and reverence by organizing an impressive Nagar Kirtan today. Spearheaded by the District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (DGPC) Jammu, the grand Shobha Yatra witnessed active participation from a large number of devotees, including women, children, students, and renowned Ragi Jathas from Jammu, Kashmir, and other regions. The event exemplified spiritual devotion and cultural heritage, paying tribute to the unparalleled sacrifices of the 10th Sikh Guru.
The procession commenced at Gurdwara Yadgar Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Lower Gumat, near the Samadhi of Bibi Chand Kour in Chand Nagar. A beautifully adorned chariot carrying the Holy Guru Granth Sahib served as the centerpiece, accompanied by Panj Piyaras, traditional warriors clad in ceremonial attire. Students, band parties, and Sikh Sangat added vibrancy to the religious procession that navigated through the streets of Jammu, reciting hymns and religious slogans. Notable Sikh personalities and groups, including Tadi Jatha, Parcharaks, and Panthak poets, enriched the procession with Shabd Kirtan and inspiring sermons on Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s teachings and sacrifices.
Elaborate security measures and traffic diversions were implemented by the district administration to ensure the smooth flow of the Shobha Yatra. Despite the diversions, some areas experienced traffic congestion, particularly on Canal Road, Bakshi Nagar, and other city routes. The procession followed a traditional path, covering Dogra Chowk, Bikram Chowk, Gole Market, and Green Belt Gandhinagar before culminating at Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Nanak Nagar at approximately 5:30 PM.
A key highlight of the event was the captivating display of Gatka, a Sikh martial art performed by youth along the route. Their remarkable feats drew admiration from onlookers. Demonstrating the spirit of unity and harmony, members of other communities along the route set up refreshment stalls offering drinks, tea, fruits, and snacks to the participants. Welcome gates adorned various points, embodying India’s secular ethos.
At Gole Market, DGPC members, including President Ranjeet Singh, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and extending gratitude to civil and police authorities for their cooperation. Vice President Balvinder Singh lauded the Prime Minister’s initiatives to honor Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s legacy but highlighted issues of concern, such as restrictions faced by Sikh aspirants during examinations regarding wearing religious symbols like Kirpan and Kada.
Meanwhile, a similar Nagar Kirtan was organized in Kathua by the District Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, starting from Gurudwara Singh Sabha and proceeding through various parts of the town. The procession, joined by MLA Kathua Dr. Bharat Bhushan, DGPC President Charanjit Singh, and prominent citizens, featured a well-decorated Guru Ki Savari accompanied by devotional Raggi Jatha chanting Guruvani.
The Prakash Parv celebrations reinforced the timeless values of unity, sacrifice, and devotion preached by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, leaving an indelible mark on the spiritual and cultural landscape of the region.
