The Nagar Kirtan, or Sikh procession, took the streets of Smethwick to celebrate the birth of Guru Nanak, the religion's legendary founder. Thousands of worshippers, dressed in a vibrant combination of orange and blue, started from West Bromich High Street and made their way to the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Smethwick over a period of four hours. Coordinator of the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Sandwell Parmjit Singh Dhillon commented: “A great deal of work has gone into organising this event and I am grateful for the support of the members of the entire local community Sikh and non-Sikh, all related authorities, including Sandwell Council and West Midlands Police (…) I hope we will be able to celebrate this event with minimum disruption to residents, business owners, services and other road users.”
The celebration was a joyous occasion indeed with the jubilant crowd following an adorned float carrying the Sikh holy scriptures or the Sri Guru Granth Sahib and religious services commencing to finish.
Sikhs from eight of Sandwell's Gurdwaras took part in the parade where the turnout was in thousands.
