The colourful Nagar Kirtan is an annual parade from the Sikh Temple
17 Jul 2016: A sea of orange glided through Middlesbrough town centre today to the sound of drums for the annual Sikh parade.
Nagar Kirtan (meaning Neighbourhood Kirtan) is a Sikh custom involving processional singing of holy hymns through a community.
Although it started later than scheduled, lots of people turned out to see around 500 Sikhs walk from the Gurdwara Sikh Temple in Lorne Street through Derwent Street, Union Street, Borough Road and Albert Road to Centre Square.
The parade included Sikhs with swords in traditional dress, drummers, women and men sweeping and spraying the streets and an open truck, decorated with orange flowers, where people sang holy scripture.
Once at Centre Square, the celebration involved speeches followed by a free lunch for all in attendance provided by the Sikh community, as well as face painting and martial arts displays.
Jagat Singh, general secretary of Middlesbrough’s Sikh Temple, said: “We have been here for over 50 years now so to see new generations coming through the community is fantastic.
“This procession is to show our thankfulness to God and to put on a little event for the rest of the community.”
VIEW GALLERY - North East Sikh Procession - Nagar Kirtan, Middlesbrough
Gee Singh, 38, who lives in Thornaby with his wife and three children, said: “It’s to take Sikhism into the community.
“My great-grandfather moved here in 1947, we were one of the first Sikh families in Middlesbrough. We’re proud of Teesside and proud of Sikhs.”
Rashpal Singh Bhakar, 39, a family support worker, who lives in Acklam, Middlesbrough with his wife Manpreet and their 15-month-old daughter Carishma (meaning “miracle”), said: “It’s important to clean the streets and be as clean and pure as you can.
“Devout Sikhs would never eat meat or drink alcohol but no Sikh would do so today.”
Tina Young, 87, a great-grandmother, set up her seat on the corner of Union Street and Eshwood Square to watch the parade.
“I come out and watch it every year,” she said. “I love it.”