The Sikh Temple Community Teesside is hosting the Sikh festival ‘Nagar Kirtan’ in Middlesbrough in Centre Square on 23 July 2017.
Nagar Kirtan is a Punjabi term which means “Neighbourhood Kirtan”. “Kirtan” is a term describing the singing of Shabads (divine hymns).
The term refers to the procession of Sikh Sangat (congregation) through the town singing holy hymns and giving out free food to the community.
The family fun day will commence with a procession from the Sikh Temple to Centre Square at 10.00am. During the procession, there will be music and singing of the Sikh Holy Scriptures. The event in Centre Square will start at 12pm and there will be speeches by key community leaders followed by a free lunch (langer) provided by the Sikh Community to all those who attend. Other attractions in the Square include information stalls about education, training and community safety and martial art displays.
The Sikh Temple requested £5,000. However, a £2,400 contribution towards the event was agreed by the PCC for external traffic management, stage hire and construction and a public announcement system.
This decision supports the PCC’s priority of Securing the Future of our Communities.