RELIGIONS NEWS AGENCY(REDNA) – The festival of Vaisakhi is celebrated, 14 April, marking the start of two weeks of public events, processions and devotions in England.
It is observed in the Hindu and Sikh religious traditions.
For Sikhs, Vaisakhi marks a Punjabi harvest festival and the founding more than 400 years ago of the Khalsa, when five men passed the test to be initiated into a new order dedicated to the values of Sikh gurus.
Processions around town centres and parks are led by five Sikhs in ceremonial dress, drummers, performers of Gatka (a Sikh martial art) and floats carrying women and spiritual leaders who chant prayers and sing hymns.
524,000 Sikhs live in England and Wales, with the majority in London and the west Midlands.
Among the many celebrations are a colourful event in London’s Trafalgar Square on Saturday 22 April and a large procession around Coventry city centre on Sunday 23 April.