RICHMOND HILL, NY (TIP): An impressive Parade (Nagar Kirtan) was taken out by the Sikh community of the Tri-State area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut on November 9, 2024 in celebration of the 555th Birth anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the First Master of the Sikhs.
Thousands of devotees followed the Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Book revered as the Living Master atop a motorized vehicle, with the priests attending and singing hymns (shabad kirtan). Ahead of the float carrying Shri Guru Granth Sahib were the Panj Piaras (the Five Beloveds- the first five disciples of the Tenth Master, Guru Gobind Singh, when he created Khalsa in 1699).
All along the 3-mile route of the parade, a number of organizations and individuals served food and beverages, called langar (free food) to each and everyone. Langar (free food) is a unique feature of Sikhism.
Sikhism is the youngest and the fifth most followed religion of the world. The Sikhs, known for their enterprise, are present in every part of the world, and contribute richly to their nations of adoption. The U.S. Canada, UK, account for a larger percentage of the Sikh population. The annual Guru Nanak parade is organized by Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lobana Sikh Center in Richmond Hill in cooperation with the Sikh Gurdwaras and the Sikh organizations in the Tri-State area. The 2024 parade was in its 24th year.
