Vaisakhi, also known as Baisakhi, is a Sikh festival celebrating 1699 – the year when Sikhism was born as a collective faith and the birth of the Khalsa, the first body of initiated Sikhs.
The date changes year to year between April 13 and 14, with this year’s celebrations in Southampton being held on Sunday 16 April.
On this day, Sikhs will gather in Gurdwaras to pray or volunteer by preparing free food for the local community. The free food, known as “langar” is a form of “seva” meaning selfless service, that Sikhs undergo and share with everyone throughout the day.
This year marks the return of the Vaisakhi parade, known as a Nagar Kirtin, on Sunday 16 April. The parade will start at rom Gurdwara Tegh Bahadur Sahib in St Marks Road at 13:00 and will end at the same place at 16:00. Gatka (demonstrations of martial art) and dhol (double-headed drum) entertainment will be held throughout the day. Find out more about the parade on the Visit Southampton event page.
Onoop Dayal is one of our Sikh faith advisors at the Faith and Reflection Centre and shares the history of this festival in Southampton.
“As a British born Sikh, Vaisakhi holds great significance and meaning to me and my family. My Grandfather came over to the UK in the 60’s, he was the founder of the 1st Gurudwara in Southampton, as a baptised Sikh he wanted to ensure that the Sikhs’ biggest and most sacred day in the calendar was celebrated amongst, not only the Sikh community but with all that wanted to celebrate. It is a day filled with vibrancy, prayers, Indian drums, food and Gatka, which anyone can join in.”
Karnel Singh is also a Sikh faith advisor and shares his experience of Vaisakhi:
“My favourite part of the Vaisakhi is seeing the colourful parade through the streets, seeing the beautiful orange decorations and people dressed in their traditional clothes.
“I love hearing the holy peaceful chants and the sounds of the dhol. It is a time when different communities can come together and spreading God’s love makes me very happy and proud to be Sikh.”
Learn more and get involved:
- Watch the coverage of preparations for last year’s celebrations in Southampton.
- SUSU’s Sikh Society hosted their first langar on campus last month, with many more events to follow, to find out more visit their Instagram page.
- Visit Southampton event page.
