Sikhs Take Part In The Nagar Kirtan Parade In Middlesbrough

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - JULY 13: Members of the Sikh community in Middlesbrough give a martial arts demonstration as they take part take part in the Nagar Kirtan festival on July 13, 2025 in Middlesbrough, England. The colourful parade is held to mark the anniversary of the birth of the eighth Guru of the Sikh faith, Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji. Groups of Sewadar spray the road with water, followed by groups with sweeping brushes ahead of a float carrying priests and the Sikh holy scriptures, the Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhs consider the Guru Granth Sahib to be a living Guru, so the road is swept ahead of it. Ahead of the float, five men representing the Panj Pyare - the five beloved - walk barefoot and carry swords while hymns are sung and drums are pounded. The festival celebrates love, happiness and peace, and involves people from all backgrounds and religions. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)