Vaisakhi – one of the biggest celebrations in the Sikh calendar took place today in Leicester City Centre with the traditional procession from Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Holy Bones past Leicester Clock Tower and finishing at at Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara on East Park Road.
The festival marks the formation of the Khalsa – the event that solidified Sikhism as a collective faith rather than a philosophy with its own scriptures and practices.
Thousands turned out despite the rain for the Nagar Kirtan procession. During the parade, the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy book) was carried and festival goers recited words from the holy book.
The parade was also joined by the Sikh Motors Club, this becoming a regular part of the celebtration, much to the delight of many of the onlookers.
Across the globe, similar celebrations take place, including the Southall Vaisakhi procession in London, the Surrey Vaisakhi Parade in Canada (the largest in the world), and the Woolgoolga Vaisakhi Parade in Australia. These processions symbolize unity, faith, and the spirit of community, fostering connections among Sikhs and welcoming all to join in the festivities
