Vaisakhi is one of the most important holidays in the Sikh calendar. Historically seen as a spring harvest celebration in India, it also marks the birth of Khālsā, the religion’s community, in 1699. It is traditionally celebrated annually on April 13 or 14 (this year, April 14), but celebrations in Birmingham aren’t until this Sunday, April 26.
Often marked by a Nagar Kirtan procession, this year’s festival sees thousands take to the streets of Birmingham and Sandwell for Vaisakhi. The parade will start at 9.30am in Birmingham, making its way down Soho Road, before ending in Smethwick at 6pm.
The Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan procession key times:
- Gurdwara Babe Ke, Hockley, 9.30am
- Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, Handsworth, 10.20am
- Shri Guru Ravidass Bhawan, Handsworth, 11am
- Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh Ji Shaheed, Handsworth, 11.40am
- Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Smethwick, 1.15pm
- Gurdwara Baba Sang Ji, Smethwick, 2.15pm
With as many as 6,000 people at any one time, you can expect drumming, martial arts, and singing throughout this colourful procession, while all are invited to attend. Thanks to a free, community kitchen (langar), there will be plenty of vegetarian meals for everyone, regardless of your background.
Keep an eye on rolling road closures in Birmingham, primarily around Soho Road, Hockley Circus Roundabout, Hampstead Road, Thornhill Road and Stratford Road; while in Smethwick, try to avoid Grove Lane, Boulton Road, Murdock Road, Rookery Road, Sycamore Road, Booth Street, Mount Road, Rolfe Street and Foundry Lane.
