Sadiq Khan Becomes First London Mayor to Celebrate #Vaisakhi

Crowds gathered in Southall to watch the annual Vaisakhi parade, which started and ended at the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall Gurdwara on Havelock Road.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan was in attendance and tweeted: ‘Londoners don’t just tolerate our diversity, we celebrate it! Brilliant to be back in Southall alongside thousands at Vaisakhi celebrations.’

It is thought to be the first time a London Mayor has ever visited the event, known as Nagar Kirtan, to mark Vaisakhi.

With the sun beaming down, hundreds of people stopped by the many food stalls offering free drinks and Indian snacks (langar) while hyms were sung and various different dances took place.

Other MPs including Southall MP Virendra Sharma and Feltham and Heston MP Seema Malhotra were in attendance.

St John Ambulance and London Ambulance Service cycle responders were also present to keep everyone safe.

The Sikh festival of Vaisakhi celebrates the birth of the Khalsa but is often mistaken for being a harvest festival or the Sikh New Year.

In April 1699 the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji tested thousands of Sikhs and the first five to pass his test were initiated into a new order called the Khalsa.

May says UK will need Sikh values of equality, respect

UK Prime Minister Theresa May on April 13 said Britain needs Sikh values of equality and respect more than ever as the country forges a “new and ambitious role” in the world post Brexit.

Greeting the Sikh community on the occasion of Baisakhi, May said Sikhs have set an example for all.

“I send my best wishes to everyone in Britain and around the world celebrating Baisakhi -one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar and a time when families and friends come together to commemorate the birth of the Khalsa,” she said in a video message released by Downing Street.

She said Sikhs in the country consistently follow the pillars of their faith, which sets an example to all.

Praising Sikh values of equality and respect, of fairness and helping those less fortunate, the British prime minister said these values Britain needs more than ever as it forges a “new, ambitious, role” in the world.

“I am determined to build a country that works for everyone; a country where no matter who you are, you can achieve your goals – and the Sikh community is a vital part of that mission. So as the dancing and the festivals begin, at home and abroad, I would like to thank you for all that you do and to wish you a very happy,” she said.

She noted: “As Sikhs across the globe take part in spectacular processions and neighbourhoods and gurdwaras burst forth with colour, I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the immense contribution British Sikhs make to our country.

“Whether it’s in the fields of business, the armed forces or the charitable sector, you consistently follow the pillars of your faith and in so doing set an example to us all,” she said.

This year, the Indian High Commission in London has tied up with gurdwaras across London and other British Punjabi organisations to launch Baisakhi festivities on a grand scale.

The event, to be held in north-west London on April 30, has been conceived as a grand mela complete with shabad kirtan and folk music to bring the Indian community together.

“Come with your families and friends to celebrate, enjoy and be part of the best of Sikh culture,” according to a statement by the High Commission.