An exhilarating display of Gatka skills, a traditional Sikh martial art, and soulful Shabad Keertans marked the first colourful Nagar Keertan (Holy Procession) taken out from Gurudwara Saheb, Secunderabad, on Saturday as part of the 556th Prakash Utsav celebrations of Guru Nanak Devji, the first Sikh Guru and founder of Sikhism.

The procession passed through Manohar Talkies, Clock Tower, Patny Circle, Kingsway, Monda Market, and Alpha Hotel before returning to the Gurudwara. The holy Guru Granth Sahibji was carried on a beautifully decorated vehicle, followed by Nishaan Sahebans (religious flags), while Sikh youths from Punjab and Hyderabad performed breathtaking Gatka demonstrations. Devotees were served Kada Prasad, tea, and snacks along the route. The life and teachings of Guru Nanak Devji were depicted on a moving LED display.

GSS Prabhandak Committee President Baldev Singh Bagga and other committee members said that the celebrations would continue with another Nagar Keertan on November 3 from Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Afzalgunj, passing through major city routes before concluding in the evening. Thousands of devotees are expected to join, with performances by various Gatka Jathas and renditions of Shabad Keertans by men and women groups.

The main Prakash Utsav Vishaal Deewan will be held on November 5 at Exhibition Grounds, Nampally, where over 25,000 devotees are expected to gather. Two Night Keertan Darbars are scheduled on November 4 at Secunderabad and on November 5 at Afzalgunj Gurudwaras.