Hundreds of visitors gathered at an iconic riverside building by the Tower Bridge, as London's Vaisakhi Festival adopted a new look and moved from Trafalgar square, for the first time.
Following consultation with the Sikh community, the popular free event took place on Saturday 11 April 2015, at the City Hall from 12-5pm.
Vaisakhi is the most important day in the Sikh calendar, commemorating the beginning of Sikhism as a collective faith. London's celebrations are an opportunity for people from all communities, faiths and backgrounds to experience a festival that is celebrated by over 126,000 Sikhs who live in the capital and 20 million people across the world.
The City Hall, which is the home to Greater London Authority in London, worked with representatives from the Sikh community, including Singh Sabha London East Gurdwara, EY Sikh Network and other groups, to create a culturally rich, enjoyable day that represents Sikh identity and culture.
The new venue added a wider array of cultural activities including a colourful outdoor programme of live music and performance, food and children's activities, film screenings, cultural talks, poetry readings and an exhibition are taking place. Visitors enjoyed traditional dance, turban tying and Sikh spiritual music (Shabad Kirtan). Food (langar) was offered by volunteers from the Sikh community.
Mankamal Singh, Gurdwara Singh Sabha London East, said that the Gurdwaras were excited to be involved in this year’s Vaisakhi celebrations at City Hall, as the Sikh community are an integral part of the London landscape, whilst maintaining a very visible and distinctive identity.
“This year’s event gave London the opportunity to share British Sikh talent as well as offering great activities that all Londoners can get involved in,” added Singh.
Manraj Singh Othi, Co-founder EY Sikh Network, before the event was held said 'We are pleased to be part of the organisation of this Vaisakhi celebration. As both Londoners and Sikhs, we feel the grassroots approach to the programme that has been created in collaboration with City Hall will produce a day that is inclusive for both Sikhs and non-Sikhs, and be an opportunity to learn and celebrate together through a diverse range of displays and activities.'
On the day several tweets and retweets mentioned about this popular event, as the visitors queued up inside and outside of the building. One of the most popular tweets was that of Jasvir Singh, from the City Sikhs Network, who while posting a photo collage of the arrangements and celebrations, set the mood for a happy get together. He tweeted, “Vaisakhi celebrations at @CityHallScoop today. Queue going around the block. Hope everyone gets in soon.”
(photos to come)
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