Stockton, California (KP) – Every year dozens of Nagar Kirtans take place during Vaisakhi all over Europe and North America. Year by year there seems to be a metamorphoses taking place in these events. Modern Nagar Kirtans no longer resemble the simple ones held when they were first introduced in the west. No longer is Kirtan and Gurbani the main attraction of these events. Loud songs, and gaudy floats rule the day now at these social events.
PW examines one of them, held in Stockton, California, which is the historic home of the Gaddharite Freedom Fighters of the last century.
The annual Nagar Kirtan held in Stockton this past week was attended by thousands of Sikhs from across the country. Although the Nagar Kirtan in Stockton is not as celebrated as the one in Yuba City, Sangat that attends every year seems to be multiplying. Not only was there a noticable increase in the amount of attending Sangat, the number of floats were also increased, along with seva booths by Sikh volunteers.
The committee of the Stockton Gurdwara Sahib must be commended for its efforts to raise awareness of the Sikh identity in the Central Valley. During each nagar kirtan, the committee spends large amounts of money in execution of the nagar kirtan. Renowned Sikh parcharaks are invited from different parts of Punjab to uplift the spirit of the local community. While the nagar kirtan had several positive accomplishments that must be praised, the management committee must also take note of the amount of negative parchar of Sikhi that was held at the nagar kirtan.
Such unconventional attractions at Nagar Kirtans are becoming a norm
Unlike previous years, “commercialization” of the nagar kirtan was highly noticeable. Stalls selling Bollywood movies, cds and posters of actors and actresses were set up very close to the Darbar Sahib. This promised the most exposure for the anti-Sikh activities that are geared towards making a mockery of the Sikh identity in the media. In addition, floats were allowed to hoist flags of India. This is interesting as slogans such as ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ can be read across the Gurdwara Sahib complex and in the main Darbar Sahib hall as well.
The management also needs to pay attention to preserving the honor of Guru Granth Sahib Ji at all times. It should ensure that the Sangat accompanying the main float does not work in front of the Punj Pyare and special care should be paid at ensuring loitering is not done at the residences. Socialization by the Punjabi Youth must also be taken advantage of with massive parchar resources. Sangat should be encouraged to keep their head covered at all times. Another noticeable seva missing, was that of sweeping and cleaning the road ahead of the first float.
Sewadars from the Khalsa Phalvardi distributing free Dastars to the Youth
Putting aside the negative, several ‘Panthic’ aspects of the Nagar Kirtan were highly visible. The California Gatka Dal members raised slogans of Panthic Spirit throughout the nagar kirtan. Akharas were setup at different intervals. The never before seen booth setup to commemorate the lives of 1978 Shaheeds was one of the main attractions of the Nagar Kirtan. In addition, the Sikh Turban Day was also celebrated with full fervor. The sevadars at the Khalsa Phalvardi booth by the entrance of the Darbar Sahib was busy the whole day distributing and tying dastars on Sikh children, as well as adults. Exclusive books pertaining to ‘Tat-Gurmat’ were also distributed free of cost at the nagar kirtan.
