The procession was some 8,000-strong. The Nagar Kirtan, as the procession is called, was from Rakab Ganj Gurdwara on Pant Marg and proceeded via Gol Dak Khana, Ashoka Road, Connaught Circus, Baba Kharag Singh Marg and finally terminated at the Bangla Sahib Gurdwara. More than 30 school bands and acrobats participated in the procession.

It was to begin at 10 am. But was delayed by over an hour. Bus commuters were the worst hit as buses weren't allowed in Connaught Place 10 am onwards. Makeshift langars and the crowds blocked vehicular traffic, leaving all arteries to Connaught Place jammed.

Janpath was clogged till the Le Meridian intersection, while the traffic was crawling on Ashoka Road till the Dr R M L Hospital roundabout. The effect was spilled on till the Sardar Patel Marg intersection. Similarly, on Barakhamba Road, the traffic was at a standstill till the Tilak Bridge intersection and the effect was felt at ITO intersection too.

Many had to walk a couple of kilometres before they could board a bus. “My house is in Shakarpur. But today I had to walk from my office at Jantar Mantar till Mandi house to board a bus. Even from Mandi House it took 15 minutes just to reach ITO intersection,” said Naresh Kumar, a NDMC employee.

All buses from south Delhi were terminated till Sunehari Masjid on Rafi Marg. Buses from east Delhi were terminated at Mandi House itself.

Motorists were also not spared as the traffic around Connaught Place was at snail's pace in the peak hours. Diversions were finally lifted at around 8.30 pm.