THE annual Middlesbrough Nagar Kirtan returns this weekend to spread its messages of love, happiness and peace.
As always the event, this year on Sunday, July 17, will begin at 10.30am with a procession from the Sikh Temple in Lorne Street to Centre Square with music and singing of the Sikh Holy Scriptures.
A rolling road closure will be in place as the congregation travel from Lorne Street, through Derwent Street, Union Street, Borough Road and Albert Road to Centre Square, with the affected roads re-opened to traffic as soon as the procession passes. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.
Once at Centre Square the celebration will involve speeches followed by a free lunch for all in attendance provided by the Sikh community, as well as face painting and martial arts displays.
Nagar Kirtan is a Punjabi term which means Neighbourhood Kirtan and its concept is to bring the message of God to the doorstep of the community.
Jagat Singh, General Secretary of Middlesbrough’s Sikh Temple, said: “The support is incredible and it gets stronger each year in the Middlesbrough community. We have been here for over 50 years now so to see new generations coming through the community is fantastic.
“We are hoping to get people out of their homes or open their doors to hear the hymns and to think about their own faiths.
“Everyone is welcome to come and spend the day with the Sikh community. This procession is to show our thankfulness to God and to put on a little event for the rest of the community.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd added: “The Nagar Kirtan is a firm fixture on the Middlesbrough calendar and is always enjoyed by all in the town.
“The Sikh community makes a huge contribution to the town and this festival and the messages behind it of peace and togetherness are universal and epitomise the best of what Middlesbrough is about.”