Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

UK cities to host Vaisakhi events

This year’s festivities are especially meaningful, marking five years since the Covid pandemic disrupted events and gatherings, including Vaisakhi.

Vaisakhi events

Sikhs mark Vaisakhi with colourful Nagar Kirtans, hymns and community celebrations.

THOUSANDS of Sikhs will come together across the UK to celebrate Vaisakhi next Monday (14) through colourful Nagar Kirtans.

This year’s festivities are especially meaningful, marking five years since the Covid pandemic disrupted events and gatherings, including Vaisakhi.


Vaisakhi marks the birth of the Sikh faith, the Khalsa, a collective of committed Sikhs who are leaders and defenders of the Sikh way and it is one of the biggest celebrations for the community.

In 1699, the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh, asked for anyone who was prepared to give their life for their religion.

Five young men stepped forward, one by one, and came back wearing turbans – they became the Panj Pyare, or the five beloved. The guru then initiated them, and so they became the first members of the Khalsa.

Nagar Kirtans take place across the UK and abroad; they are peaceful street processions which include prayers and the singing of hymns, as well as flag- waving the Nishaan Sahib and martial arts displays.

Thousands come together to celebrate Vaisakhi, but it’s taken some time to get it to where it was. During the Covid pandemic, many Sikhs couldn’tvisit the gurdwara, a place of worship to meet the congregation.

Nagar Kirtans unite people who walk through the streets for hours reciting hymns, prayers. People set up stalls on the side of the streets serving vegetarian food, snacks and water. This is all a selfless service that Sikhs call ‘sewa’ or giving back.

After the street procession ends, the Sikh community heads back to the gurd- wara for a final prayer and langar is served – a hot vegetarian meal. This is the free community kitchen which is open to all, regardless of their background.

Rupee Chagar, a volunteer at the Sikh Centre in Reading, helps to prepare the langar. Chagar told Eastern Eye: “Preparing langar, in the context of Sikhism, means more than just cooking and serving food. It is an act of selflessness, equality, and community service. Langar is a free meal served to all people, regardless of their background, religion, or status, and preparing it is considered a form of sewa (selfless service).

“To prepare langar, you are engaging in a practice that reflects the core Sikh principles of humility, generosity, and the importance of sharing with others. It’s about contributing to a communal effort, creating a space where all people can sit together as equals, regardless of their differences.

“Preparing langar might bring a sense of fulfilment, knowing that one is part

of a long tradition of serving others, helping to foster a sense of unity, and contributing to the well-being of one’s community. It can also be a deeply spiritual experience, a way of practising gratitude, patience, and mindfulness while working in the kitchen to provide nourishment for others.

“Ultimately, it’s an opportunity to live out the values of Sikhism – compassion, humility, and community – by serving others selflessly and making sure that everyone has access to food.”

Kuldeep Kaur Gill, from Northolt, said: “The Vaisakhi mela is the learning experience for young children, a reminder to all Sikh believers of their faith. A celebration to commemorate the five panj pyaras, regardless of their creed, caste or class status, in order to make us humble in humanity that we are proud of our teachings by our Guru Nanak Devji.

“That’s how Nagar Kirtan is led by five pyaras. It’s a celebration of the arrival of spring in saffron colour, new beginnings and new life to go on with our zest and passion. I am happy to see it back in full swing as this year marks five years since Covid, it wasn’t easy not being able to celebrate like we normally would.”

The Sikh community welcome everyone who would like to join and through April and May there will be one near you; if you would like to know more, contact the local gurdwara.

More For You

Sir Sajid Javid leads commission 'tackling social divisions'

Sir Sajid Javid (Photo by Tom Nicholson-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Sir Sajid Javid leads commission 'tackling social divisions'

A cross-party group has been formed to tackle the deep divisions that sparked last summer's riots across England. The new commission will be led by former Tory minister Sir Sajid Javid and ex-Labour MP Jon Cruddas.

The Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion has backing from both prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch. It brings together 19 experts from different political parties and walks of life.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Masum

Masum was seen on CCTV trying to steer the pram away and, when she refused to go with him, stabbed her multiple times before walking away and boarding a bus. (Photo: West Yorkshire Police)

West Yorkshire Police

Habibur Masum convicted of murdering estranged wife in front of baby

A MAN who stabbed his estranged wife to death in Bradford in front of their baby has been convicted of murder.

Habibur Masum, 26, attacked 27-year-old Kulsuma Akter in broad daylight on April 6, 2024, stabbing her more than 25 times while she pushed their seven-month-old son in a pram. The baby was not harmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Post Office scandal trials 'unlikely before 2028'

FILE PHOTO: A Post Office van parked outside the venue for the Post Office Horizon IT inquiry at Aldwych House on January 11, 2024 in London. (Photo: Getty Images)

Post Office scandal trials 'unlikely before 2028'

THE people responsible for the Post Office Horizon scandal may not face trial until 2028, according to the senior police officer leading the investigation.

Commander Stephen Clayman has said that the process is taking longer because police are now looking at a wider group of people, not just those directly involved in decisions about the faulty Horizon computer system, reported the Telegraph.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nadiya Hussain

She also reassured her followers that “exciting” new projects are on the way

Getty Images

“I won’t always be grateful” says Nadiya Hussain after BBC axes her cookery show

Key points

  • Nadiya Hussain confirms BBC will not renew her cookery series
  • Bake Off winner challenges expectations to remain “grateful”
  • She says hard work and talent, not luck, brought her success
  • Celebrities, including Annie Lennox and Fearne Cotton, show support

BBC ends decade-long collaboration with Bake Off star

Nadiya Hussain has spoken out after the BBC decided not to commission another cookery programme with her. The popular TV chef, who won The Great British Bake Off in 2015, shared her views on social media, stating that she “won’t always be grateful” and should not be expected to remain silent about career setbacks.

The decision ends a nearly 10-year working relationship between the broadcaster and Hussain, who has hosted several well-received cookery shows under the BBC banner. In her latest Instagram video, she addressed the public’s reaction and emphasised her right to expect more from her career.

Keep ReadingShow less
starmer-getty

A total of 126 Labour MPs had publicly supported a move to block the proposals, marking the biggest rebellion under Starmer’s leadership so far. (Photo: Getty Images)

getty images

Starmer government softens welfare cuts after Labour MPs revolt

THE GOVERNMENT has backtracked on plans to reduce disability and sickness benefits following a major rebellion by MPs from within the Labour Party.

Care minister Stephen Kinnock confirmed on Friday that concessions had been made to address concerns raised by lawmakers who opposed the proposed reforms. This comes just days after prime minister Keir Starmer had said he would continue with the changes.

Keep ReadingShow less