With the actual date of the Sikh Vaisakhi festival being April 14, organisers of Birmingham’s annual parade have announced this years' event to take place this Sunday, April 26.
“The Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Birmingham, with our partners, organises two Nagar Kirtans (holy street processions) and a community celebration in Handsworth Park, Birmingham to celebrate this event.
Everyone is invited to join us in our celebration of the spiritual harvest of Vaisakhi which promises to be a family geared free event. Sangat (congregations) from Gurdwaras throughout the city and Sandwell, in line with Sikh custom and values will share Langar meals, to overcome differences of creed and cultures and to break down the barriers, which so often divide us. People from diverse communities every year join in the festivities at the park & share a meal (Guru Ka Langar) with members of the Sikh community.
This is an event which principally promotes social cohesion and human love. The langar will be served next to Guru Da Darbar (Guru’s Court), just as it is in Gurdwaras every day of the year. In Guru Da Darbar you will be able to partake of a spiritual feast of kirtan (hymns sung to ragas). There will also be an opportunity to watch an exciting array of sports activities. There will also be an opportunity join in with the interactive family orientated races; so come prepared with your running shoes.
The bazaar stalls, offering a delight of vegetarian food, custom and specialist arts and crafts are always popular and you will be able to pick up information from public and service agencies all geared to helping people get better access to their facilities form the information and display marquees. Whatever you do don’t wait too long to head for the interactive armed forces displays if you don’t want to spend most of your day queuing up to have a go at their activities.
We hope you will enjoy the Vaisakhi day with us at Handsworth Park. Most of all we pray that you have an inspiring and uplifting Vaisakhi.”
The not-for-profit community event, will be celebrated in Handsworth Park, in one of the most cosmopolitan and vibrant city in Europe, and is a cornerstone of Birmingham's success as its citizens celebrating their heritage together.
