Vaisakhi: Thousands gather in Slough to celebrate Sikh festival

THOUSANDS of Slough residents took part in a colourful procession to celebrate the festival of Vaisakhi.

Slough Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan 2022 started from Sri Guru Singh Sabha Slough on Sunday, April 24 for the annual Nagar Kirtan procession.

The festival, which was organised by Singh Sabha Slough, saw families celebrate in style through music, activities and processions.

Vaisakhi marks the first day of the month of Vaisakh and is traditionally celebrated annually on April 13 and 14 as a celebration of spring harvest primarily in Northern India.

Rapinder Singh Padda, general secretary of Sri Guru Singh Sabha Slough, said: "Vaisakhi marks a significant date in the Sikh calendar, it's a celebration of committment to the Guru's message of social revolutions, meditation, earning honestly and sharing.

"We were very pleased to have members of the Sangat attending from West London.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank this new progressive management committee combining senior and younger members of the community that help organise this year's Nagar kirtain flawlessly and all the selfless volunteers who cleaned the roads and ensured the event was safe."

Slough MP Tan Dhesi, who attended the event, said: “It was wonderful to finally celebrate Vaisakhi with the local community, the pandemic had stolen that from us.

“I want to congratulate the local Sikh Gurdwara committees, all the volunteers, the police and council for ensuring that an event on such a huge scale took place smoothly.”

Tarvinder Singh also attended the festival and added: "It is also an occasion to express the Sikh values of good will, compassion and the sovereignty of the Khalsa."

Here’s some pictures from the day:

Slough Observer: Some of the vehicles driving through Slough. Picture: Atlantic Media GB Some of the vehicles driving through Slough. Picture: Atlantic Media GB