Cultural performances will take place in Leicester city centre this weekend to celebrate Vaisakhi, an important holiday in the Sikh calendar.
Highcross Leicester is proud to support the Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS) in honour of the festival.
Vaisakhi, which marks the first day of the second month in the Punjabi calendar, celebrates the spring harvest season in Northern India. For many in India, it also signifies the Indian Solar New Year.
The celebrations will be held in Leicester’s St. Peter’s Square and will include cultural performances, community activities, and Gatka demonstrations, a traditional Sikh martial art. At the atrium on the ground floor of Highcross, outside John Lewis, MLSS will also offer complimentary samosas to the public as a gesture of generosity and community spirit.
Vaisakhi is a time for religious performances, the raising of the Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag), and sharing festive meals. These customs will be part of the celebrations throughout the weekend.
Jagjit Kaur, a De Montfort University graduate, will lead a live painting demonstration of the Golden Temple at the upper mall entrance from Thursday, April 10, to Sunday, April 13. Bob Gill, head of branch at John Lewis & Partners, said: “John Lewis Leicester is proud to celebrate Vaisakhi. We welcome everyone to join us in this celebration.”
This year, John Lewis has partnered with Guru Nanak Aid, a local Sikh charity, to present the Vaisakhi Bazaar, showcasing pop-up stalls celebrating Sikh culture, arts, and community. At the end of the month, Leicester’s grand Vaisakhi procession, Nagar Kirtan, will take place on Sunday, April 27, through the city centre, offering thousands the chance to participate in this spiritual and cultural event.
Ginda Basra, lead for Midland MLSS, shared her excitement about the event: “This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight Sikh-related events during Vaisakhi weekend in the heart of Leicester. We’re grateful to John Lewis and Highcross for their support in providing this platform, and we encourage all communities and faiths to join in the celebrations.”
The Vaisakhi celebrations will take place in St Peter’s Square, Highcross, and outside John Lewis. Activities will begin on Thursday, April 10, with the main events happening on Saturday, April 12, from 11am to 3pm.
