[Photograph of individuals performing gatka at the Miri Piri Nagar Kirtan in Surrey]

Photograph of unidentified individuals performing gatka at the Miri Piri Nagar Kirtan which took place in Surrey, British Columbia (B.C.). The Miri Piri Nagar Kirtan is an annual event which takes place in Surrey and is organized by the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara (Temple).

Gatka is a traditional form of Sikh martial arts. It involves the use of various weapons, including swords, spears, shields, and sticks, and is practiced as a means of physical, mental, and spiritual training. Today, gatka is practiced as a form of physical exercise and spiritual discipline, as well as a way to preserve Sikh heritage and culture. It is often performed during festivals and other cultural events.

The concept of Miri Piri, introduced by the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib, represents the union of political (Miri) and spiritual (Piri) authority, symbolized by two swords.The Sikh community commemorates Guru Hargobind Sahib's legacy with parades, where participants carry signs reflecting his teachings. Individuals along the route serve food, embodying the Sikh principles of service and community.

The Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara (Temple) was established in the early 1970s, one of the oldest gurdwaras in North America. The gurdwara (temple) is located in Surrey, B.C., and provides a wide range of programs, including, Sikh religious programs, social, sports, women's and children's programs. The Gurdwara has a Panjabi language school as well as a television show and regularly undertakes Sikh youth seminars and workshops.