Winnipeg’s 22nd Nagar Kirtan Celebrates 421st Prakash Utsav of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Winnipeg’s Sikh community gathered on Sunday, August 31, 2025, for the 22nd annual Nagar Kirtan, a vibrant religious procession celebrating the 421st Prakash Utsav of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The Prakash Utsav, or “Day of Illumination,” marks the installation of the Guru Granth Sahib, the central scripture of Sikhism, in the Golden Temple of Amritsar in 1604. It is regarded as a pivotal moment in Sikh history, commemorating the living Guru that guides the faith’s followers.

Thousands of participants filled the streets of Winnipeg, singing hymns, carrying the Guru Granth Sahib in elaborately decorated floats, and offering langar, the free community meal shared in the Sikh tradition. The celebration honors the teachings of the ten Sikh Gurus, who shaped Sikhism from its founding in the 15th century in the Punjab region of South Asia. Central to the religion is the belief in one God, equality among all people, and the importance of selfless service.

The Nagar Kirtan is organized by the Sikh Society of Manitoba, with leadership from President Harbans Singh Brar and the managing committee. Brar was recognized for helping maintain the annual tradition in Winnipeg, though the event itself is a testament to the collective dedication of the community. Families, elders, and youth participated, highlighting the role of shared devotion and service in sustaining the faith.

Sikhism does not focus on gods in the way some other religions do; instead, the Guru Granth Sahib is considered the eternal living Guru. The scripture contains the teachings and hymns of the Sikh Gurus, as well as selected writings from Hindu and Muslim saints, reflecting Sikhism’s principles of universality and inclusivity. The Nagar Kirtan procession thus venerates both the scripture and the spiritual path it represents.

Community leaders noted that the Nagar Kirtan serves not only as a religious observance but also as a public expression of Sikh values such as humility, equality, and service to others. The procession’s presence in downtown Winnipeg underscores the Sikh community’s contributions to the city’s cultural and spiritual landscape, inviting participation and understanding from the broader public.

As the 22nd Nagar Kirtan concluded, attendees reflected on the significance of preserving these traditions in a modern context. The event highlighted both the richness of Sikh history and the living faith practiced by communities worldwide. Through devotion, service, and celebration, Winnipeg’s Sikh community once again brought the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib to life for all to witness.