AI Generated Summary
- With blessings, reverence, and unity at its heart, the upcoming nagar kirtan promises to be one of the most significant religious journeys in recent Sikh history—culminating in the enshrinement of the Jore Sahib at the hallowed grounds of Takht Sri Patna Sahib, where Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born over 350 years ago.
- In a historic and spiritually significant development, the sacred Jore Sahib—a pair of shoes believed to have belonged to the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, and his wife Mata Saheb Kaur—will soon be enshrined at Takht Sri Patna Sahib, following an extensive nagar kirtan spanning over 1,500 kilometres from Delhi to Patna.
- Following the demise of Puri’s cousin Jasmeet Singh, who had long served as the relics’ custodian, the family decided to offer the Jore Sahib for the devotion of the Sikh community.
In a historic and spiritually significant development, the sacred Jore Sahib—a pair of shoes believed to have belonged to the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, and his wife Mata Saheb Kaur—will soon be enshrined at Takht Sri Patna Sahib, following an extensive nagar kirtan spanning over 1,500 kilometres from Delhi to Patna.
The announcement was made by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, whose family has safeguarded the relics for nearly three centuries. Puri revealed that the nagar kirtan, a devotional Sikh procession, will commence shortly after Diwali with the collective support of the Sikh Sangat across India.
“This journey is not just a religious procession but a moment of deep pride for the entire Sikh community,” said Puri. He added that arrangements are being made to engage gurdwaras along the route, allowing maximum participation of devotees in the sacred journey.
Verification and Decision on Enshrinement
Following the demise of Puri’s cousin Jasmeet Singh, who had long served as the relics’ custodian, the family decided to offer the Jore Sahib for the devotion of the Sikh community. A committee comprising senior Sikh scholars and leaders was then constituted to verify the authenticity of the relics through carbon dating and historical analysis.
The committee was chaired by Prof. Simrit Kaur, Principal of Sri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi, who said the group sought widespread consultation within the Sikh community before making its recommendation. “It was considered most fitting to enshrine the holy relics at the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, where his journey towards greatness began,” Kaur said.
The verification confirmed the relics’ authenticity, leading to the unanimous decision to enshrine them at Gurdwara Patna Sahib, one of Sikhism’s five Takhts.
A Sacred Journey Across Four States
The nagar kirtan route, unveiled by Puri, will traverse Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, tracing a devotional path that echoes the spirit of unity and reverence. The detailed route includes:
- Delhi to Faridabad: 60 km
- Faridabad to Agra: 190 km
- Agra to Bareilly: 225 km
- Bareilly to Mangepur: 160 km
- Mangepur to Lakhimpur: 90 km
- Lakhimpur to Kanpur: 224 km
- Kanpur to Prayagraj: 210 km
- Prayagraj to Patna: 363 km
Each leg of the journey is expected to attract thousands of devotees, with gurdwaras and Sikh institutions along the route preparing to host the holy procession.
Community Support and Collaboration
The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) will jointly oversee the arrangements. DSGMC president Harmeet Singh Kalka affirmed that the SGPC’s involvement is essential: “It is our sacred duty to ensure the SGPC plays an active role in this divine endeavour.”
With blessings, reverence, and unity at its heart, the upcoming nagar kirtan promises to be one of the most significant religious journeys in recent Sikh history—culminating in the enshrinement of the Jore Sahib at the hallowed grounds of Takht Sri Patna Sahib, where Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born over 350 years ago.
