Guru Nanak Jayanti: Nagar Kirtan Shines with Gatka Skills

To mark the 554th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee took out a procession on Sunday, a day before Gurpurab, which will be celebrated on November 27.

The procession started from Chandni Chowk’s Sis Ganj Sahib Gurudwara and ended at the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. The procession also saw a spectacular display of Gatka skills by the Nihangs.

Gatka, an Indian-origin martial art, is deeply rooted in Sikh culture. Traditionally, it was employed for self defence. The main weapon in Gatka, the Soti, takes center stage as two opponents engage in a combat. Earlier practiced using metallic swords, the sport is simple, with two opponents fighting each other with a Soti.

Throughout the procession, men, women and children from the community form small circles and display their Gatka skills. People from all communities witness the procession and the show of Gatka skills with great amusement.

Moreover, just a day before the Gurupurab, devotees thronged the Sis Ganj Sahib and Bangla Sahib Gurudwara to offer their prayers.   

Guru Purab is celebrated to honor the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the first of ten Sikh Sikh gurus. The festival is also known as ‘Guru Nanak Jayanti’.

“This celebration starts three weeks before the main event. We take out Processions or  ‘Nagar Kirtans’,  through the city streets. The holy book, ‘Guru Granth Sahib’ is recited in the gurudwaras which is called Akhand path. The recitation continues for three days and ends on the final day of the event,” explained Major Singh, a member of the  Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee.

Major Singh emphasised that these processions offer a unique opportunity to witness skilled Sikh warriors showcasing Gatka skills with swords, sticks, and more, adding a dynamic element to the spiritual celebration.