The Mayor of London will be celebrating Vaisakhi at Trafalgar Square, as the capital celebrates the birth of Khalsa (the inner core of the Sikh faith) over 300 years ago. Visitors to the Square can expect a community-focused event open to people from all backgrounds, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Highlights will include live stage performances of kirtan and dharmic music, including performances from local schools. Volunteers from the Sikh community will treat the audience to langar. The food will be made fresh on the day and will be free to everyone joining the celebrations. There will also be a range of street food stalls in the square and cooking demonstrations, where visitors can learn how to prepare dishes traditionally offered as langar.
Visitors to the Square will also have the opportunity to learn about the Sikh community through a range of stalls on the day and art exhibitions by Sikh artists from around the world. A demonstration of Gatka – Sikh martial arts – will display the unique martial arts style developed in India. With turban-tying demonstrations and children’s arts and crafts, there is something for everyone.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, told Asian Voice, “I am delighted that Trafalgar Square will be hosting London’s Vaisakhi celebrations again. This is a time of celebration and festivity with processions and street festivals across our city, from Ilford and Barking to Woolwich and Hounslow.
“When I think of the Sikh community in London and the contribution they have made to the capital – socially, culturally and economically – I feel proud. The community is a shining example of London’s diversity, making our capital a better place and showing the world that London is open. I'd like to wish the Sikh community of London and everyone joining the celebrations in the square, a very happy Vaisakhi. Vaisakhi di lakh lakh vidaiya.”
Lovepreet Singh Samra, Vaisakhi Steering Group, said, “Vaisakhi is one of the most important dates in the Sikh Calendar. It marks the birth of the Sikh identity and commemorates the establishment of the Sikh community, known as the Khalsa. Sikhs were encouraged to live lives of courage, sacrifice and equality, regardless of race, background or gender. Vaisakhi has inclusivity at its core, and the Trafalgar Square event is open to the whole of London, and beyond – there will be something for everyone!”
