Across the world, the Sikh fraternity will celebrate the 350th birthday of their 10th saint, guru Gobind Singh on 5 January 2017. Sikhs in Coimbatore are also celebrating this historic day in a big way. The celebrations will commence from 28 December, 2016 and would go on till 5 January 2017.
A big nagar kirthan (procession) would be carried out on 1 January at 2 pm, in which a chariot decorated with flowers, paying tribute to the saint will be taken around the city. The procession will be flagged off from Gurudwara Singh Sabha, the temple of the Sikhs and it will conclude at the same point. About 400 devotees are expected to participate in this holy procession. Devotees will sing hymns in praise of their guru and a musical band will perform devotional songs dedicated to their saint throughout the route of this procession.
On the following day, 2 January, 2017 at the Gurudwara Singh Sabha, kirtan (chanting of devotional songs) by Ragi Jatha Bhai Gurupreet Singh Ji (Shimla Wale) and Bhai Balbir Singh Ji (Ludhiana Wale) is scheduled to take place between 7: 30 pm to 9: 30 pm. On 4 January 2017, children of the Sikh community will display their talents through various cultural performances. This will be followed by kirtans from Ragi Jatha, Bhai Balbir Singh ji (Ludhhiana Wale).
The recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib will commence from 3 January 2017 and will conclude on 5 January 2017.
On the concluding day, 5 January a kirtan by Gurunanak Keertan Mandal will be hosted. This will be followed by kirtans by Bhai Jogeinder Singhji, Bhai Tilok Singhji (Dheradun Wale) and a kirtan by Ragi Jatha, Bhai Balbir Singhji (Ludhiana Wale) will be the concluding kirtan. A guru ka langar (Prasad served as a meal) will be served to devotees on all days of the celebrations.
The holy temple of the Sikh community was constructed in the early 70s in Coimbatore. About 60 Sikh families are members of the Gurudwara Singh Sabha which is a religious organisation. In 2017, this religious organisation will celebrate its Golden Jubilee year.