What is a Nagar Keertan?

The word nagar means town and keertan is singing of hymns.  A nagar keertan refers to a Sikh parade that is lead by the Punj Pyare (the five beloved ones, who represent the first five Sikh to have been initiated) and the Sri Guru Granth Sahib or the Sikh scripture, which is installed in a decorated float.  The congregation

follows the parade while singing hymns and verses from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, along with displays of the Sikh martial art gatka and distributing free food (langar).  The nagar keertan begins and concludes with a religious service and the serving of langar.