Nagar Kirtan is a Sikh

Sikh

A Sikh is a follower of Sikhism. It primarily originated in the 15th century in the Punjab region of South Asia. The term "Sikh" has its origin in Sanskrit term शिष्य , meaning "disciple, student" or शिक्ष , meaning "instruction"...

 custom involving the procession

Procession

A procession is an organized body of people advancing in a formal or ceremonial manner.-Procession elements:...

al singing of holy hymns throughout a community. While practiced at any time, it is customary in the month of Vaisakhi

Vaisakhi

Vaisakhi is an ancient harvest festival celebrated across North Indian states, especially Punjab by all Punjabis regardless of religion. In Sikhism the Khalsa was founded on same day as the Vaisakhi festival, so Sikhs celebrate twice as much....

. Traditionally, the procession is led by the saffron

Saffron (color)

Saffron is a color that is a tone of golden yellow resembling the color of the tip of the saffron crocus thread, from which the spice saffron is derived.The first recorded use of saffron as a color name in English was in 1200...

-robed Panj Piare

Panj Piare

The Panj Piare , name given to the five Sikhs, Bhai Daya Singh, Bhai Dharam Singh, Bhai Himmat Singh, Bhai Mohkam Singh and Bhai Sahib Singh, who were so designated by Guru Gobind Singh at the historic divan at Anandpur Sahib on 30 March 1699 and who formed the nucleus of the Khalsa as the first...

 (the five beloved of the Guru), who are followed by the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Sikh scripture, which is placed on a float

Float (parade)

A float is a decorated platform, either built on a vehicle or towed behind one, which is a component of many festive parades, such as those of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the Carnival of Viareggio, the Maltese Carnival, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Key West Fantasy Fest parade, the...

. Commonly, members of the procession are unshod in deference to the scripture so displayed. Likewise, many cover their heads and don the colour orange, or saffron. The road before the procession is cleared by sewadar

Sewadar

Sewadar is a Punjabi word for a volunteer who offers his/her services to a Gurdwara or to the Sikh community free of charge. It is a term used to refer to a person who performs sewa without looking for any physical or spiritual reward or any payment of any kind...

s. Bystanders bow their heads to the scripture. Food may be provided them from floats that follow the Scripture or from stationary points in the vicinity of the procession. The procession concludes at the Gurdwara

Gurdwara

A Gurdwara , meaning the Gateway to the Guru, is the place of worship for Sikhs, the followers of Sikhism. A Gurdwara can be identified from a distance by tall flagpoles bearing the Nishan Sahib ....

 with Ardas

Ardas

The Ardās is a Sikh prayer that is done before performing or after undertaking any significant task; after reciting the daily Banis ; or completion of a service like the Paath , kirtan program or any other religious program. In Sikhism, these prayers are also said before and after eating...

.