Cremona, a city in Italy, radiated with vibrant Sikh hues as the much-anticipated celebration dedicated to ‘Nagar Kirtan’ took place. ‘Nagar Kirtan’, a Punjabi term translating to ‘street hymn singing’, has become a tradition in the city for years. ‘Nagar’ signifies ‘city or neighborhood’, and ‘Kirtan’ refers to the singing of Shabad (divine hymns). This religious procession is especially common during the month of Baisakhi, typically in April, and is held worldwide wherever Sikh communities exist.
Baisakhi holds profound religious significance for the Sikh community as it commemorates the establishment of the Khalsa, the Sikh community of initiated Sikhs, on the auspicious day in 1699 when the tenth Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh, separated temporal power from spiritual authority, which thereafter rested with the sacred scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib.
The festivities commenced with the arrival of hundreds of Indian families in various quarters of the city earlier in the morning. The celebration officially began at 1:30 p.m. from Via Mantova, in the Foro Boario area. Bedecked in turbans and colorful attire, the Sikh community traversed through the city’s streets, singing sacred hymns.
By around 3 p.m., thousands of Sikhs from across the province and beyond converged at the Piazzale Atleti Azzurri d’Italia for the main celebration.
The significant influx of people caused minor traffic congestions at some intersections, all efficiently managed by local police officers who ensured smooth traffic flow and the orderly conduct of the ceremony. In such cases, allowances were made for temporary adjustments to noise regulations in the vicinity of the municipal swimming pool square.
Consistent with previous editions, a portion of the participants took responsibility for cleaning the streets and squares traversed, leaving them as pristine as they found them.
The ‘Nagar Kirtan’ celebration in Cremona not only serves as a religious observance but also stands as a testament to cultural diversity and community harmony, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate unity, faith, and the spirit of giving back.
