Tauranga’s streets will come alive with music, colour and celebration on Sunday, when the city’s Sikh community hosts its annual Nagar Kirtan parade.

The procession, which runs from 11am to 2pm, will depart from the Gurudwara Sikh Sangat, at 43 Burrows St and travel through nearby streets before returning to Burrows St.

The Sikh Tauranga Parade celebrates the birth of the 10th Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and is one of the most important events on the Sikh calendar.

Gurudwara Sikh Sangat Tauranga president Puran Singh said Guru Gobind Singh Ji was remembered as the founder of the Khalsa Panth and a champion of equality, justice and courage.

“The event brings the community together in remembrance of Guru Ji’s teachings of selfless service, unity, and standing up for truth, while welcoming people of all backgrounds to share in this spiritual and cultural celebration,” Singh said.

Participants in a previous Tauranga Sikh parade. Photo / Supplied

Singh said the annual parade was a way of sharing Sikh values and hospitality with the wider community. There were an estimated 10,000 Sikhs in the Bay of Plenty, many of whom were expected for Sunday’s big bright and vibrant parade. But the invitation was widened.

“Anyone and everyone are welcome to join us,” Singh said.

The devotional procession would be led by the Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones), with continuous singing of sacred hymns (Shabad Kirtan) from the Guru Granth Sahib as the parade moves through the streets. Traditional Gatka martial arts performances, colourful floats, and devotees dressed in traditional attire will also feature.

Members of the public are invited to watch the parade and take part in the celebrations, with free food (langar) offered along the route as an expression of the Sikh principle of selfless service.

The Tauranga Sikh Parade road closure map for 11 January 2026. Image / Supplied.

The parade will travel from Burrows St to 14th Ave, along Devonport Rd, then via 11th Ave, Fraser St and 13th Ave before finishing back at the Sikh Temple on Burrows St.

Rolling road closures will be in place between 11am and 3pm as the procession passes, with roads reopening progressively.

Tauranga City Council, police and traffic management staff are supporting the event to ensure public safety.