Birmingham is a cultural hub of all religions, and that is shown in the manner of the city’s celebrations of Vaisakhi on the 28th April.
The Vaisakhi is the Sikh celebrations of the Khalsa; this is the collective body of baptised Sikhs created in 1699. Khalasa means to purify and to join this Sikhs must undergo the Amrit ceremony and must be sanctioned by Guru Gobind Singh.
Baptised Sikhs must resolve not to cut their hair, not to use tobacco, alcohol or any other intoxication. They must also not eat meat and not commit adultery (not to commit the act of sexual intercourse by a married person with someone, not his or her spouse.)
At Vaisakhi, those who are ready to join are baptised.
Second City Celebrations
In Birmingham, there are many celebrations over the week, but none like the main one which occur on the 28th of April. These celebrations are organised by the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras and will take place in Handsworth Park.
The events are free to all members of the community and will include Sikh activities, children’s inflatable play area, arts and crafts exhibitions and sports and entertainment on the Bandstand Stage.
Also, in the Langer area there will be traditional Sikh food being served, this included curries of all spices and flavours and once again it will be free. There will also be an area of worship named Darbar, this will be open to all people and will allow members of the public to talk to Sikh’s and understand their faith and the sacrifices they have to make.
Procession Routes
There will be two processions on the day; both beginning at 10 am, the first of which starts from Baba Sang Gurdwara located in Sandwell and proceeds onto Toll House Way, Rabone Lane and Grove Lane before ending their route at Handsworth Park.
The second procession begins in the Jewellery Quarter at Ramgarhia Sikh Temple and continues its route to Vyse Street, Hockley Flyover and Soho Hill before finishing again in Handsworth Park.
The head of each procession is the Guru Granth Sahib (holy book of revelation) led by five Sikhs dressed in ceremonial costume to represent the five original Panj Pyare (beloved ones), these are who are responsible for founding the order of Khalsa we know today they are also responsible for the Five K’s within the Sikh community.
The most significant number of Sikhs in the UK can be found in the West Midlands. Over the past three years, the Vaisakhi celebrations have become bigger and bigger with over a thousand people attending last year’s celebrations. Why not get yourself down to Handsworth Park and join in with the events, it makes for a great family day where your visit could be as educational as fun.
Where: Handsworth Park, Holly Rd, Birmingham, B20 2BY
When: Sunday 28th April
