- Sunday, September 08, 2024
By: Shubham Ghosh
London mayor Sadiq Khan on Friday (14) announced that Vaisakhi celebrations will take place in the capital’s Trafalgar Square on April 22.
Vaisakhi, also spelled Baisakhi, is the biggest festival in the Sikh calendar and celebrates Sikh and Punjabi tradition, heritage, culture and the birth of the ‘Khalsa’ (modern day Sikhism).
In South Asia and especially in the Punjab region of India, Vaisakhi has long been celebrated as a harvest festival. It is also observed by Hindus. Members of the Indian diaspora across the world also celebrate the occasion. It usually falls on April 13 or 14 every year.
Detailing the event on April 22, the mayor’s press office said in a release that visitors can enjoy a feast of Sikh and Punjabi tradition and culture between noon and 6 pm.
The event will be co-hosted by noted disc jockey Tommy Sandhu and comedian and playwright Sukh Ojla.
Besides music, art performances and turban-tying demonstrations, the celebrations will also feature traditional food, kids’ activities and educational talks, among others.
Visitors will get the opportunity to witness performances from Manika Kaur, a leading contemporary performer of Sikh Kirtan music; Amrit Kaur, named BBC Asian Network Future Sounds 2020 Artist and Dal Singh, known as The ‘Tabla Jedi’.
Baba Fateh Singh Gatka Akhara will perform at the event a Sikh martial art named Gatka, an intense art form and a spectacle to watch. The performers will be accompanied by the Dhol Academy who will provide the soundtrack to the demonstrations, utilising different rhythms to build up the intensity.
The guests can also enjoy light bites and traditional Indian tea over the course in the afternoon. Giving of free food promotes the concept of ‘Langar’ with free meals served to all and gurdwaras from all over London will contribute ‘Langar’ to the day with the city’s Sikh homeless charity, SEVA, distributing the free food.
Renowned head chef Manpreet Singh will also be on hand for cooking demonstrations of Sikh dishes traditionally offered, along with nutritional talks from Juggy Sidhu.
Among other shows at the event will be a Sikh art exhibition, turban-tying by Chardi Kala Turban Academy, educational talks on ‘What is Vaiskahi’ by Basics of Sikhi, as well as a children’s marquee with free fun activities for families organised by Sikh Colouring.
Speaking about the upcoming event, Khan said, “I am delighted to once again welcome back Londoners and visitors to Trafalgar Square for our Vaisakhi celebrations – a time for celebration and reflection of the founding of the Sikh faith. Diversity is London’s greatest strength and this festival is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the richness of Sikh and Punjabi culture in the centre of our capital, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”
