London is set to celebrate Vaisakhi this month, with a big event in Trafalgar Square on Saturday.
The spectacle will be co-hosted by Tommy Sandhu and Shani Dhanda, and there will be a whole host of entertainment, with performances from Kirpal Singh Panesar, Ravneet Sehra, the Grewal Twins, and many more.â¯
The free event, which will be held from midday to 6pm on April 6, is one of several to be held around London – but it is not on the day of Vaisakhi itself.
These are the origins of the religious celebration of Vaisakhi and how it is observed each year.
What is Vaisakhi?
Vaisakhi is a Hindu and Sikh celebration and is enjoyed as a celebration of spring harvest, primarily in northern India. It has been celebrated for more than 300 years. The date changes year to year, between April 13 and 14. This year, it takes place on April 13. It is also known as Baisakhi and Basoa in different regions, and is marked by Punjabi Hindus, Sikhs, and Drogras as well as north Indians in general.
As well as signalling the start of a new lunar year, the festival also has an important religious significance. Hindus believe it is the day when river goddess Ganga descended to Earth from Heaven.
Vaisakhi is celebrated with prayers, processions, and the raising of the Nishan Sahib flag, which has significance within Sikh communities. Indeed, it is the most important festival within the Sikh faith and five members will dress up as the Panj Piare.
Who are the Panj Piare and what is the origin of Vaisakhi?
Vaisakhi had been a harvest festival but took on a greater significance for Sikhs in 1699 when, in the Punjab region, Guru Gobind Singh, brandished a sword before his followers and asked anyone who was prepared to die for their religion to step forward.
A young man volunteered and went into a tent with Guru Singh – who then re-emerged before the crowd with a bloody sword. He called for more volunteers and one by one four other Sikhs disappeared from the crowd into a tent only for Guru Singh to reappear with a bloody sword each time.
After the apparent slaughter, the crowd were relieved to see all five men reappear alive from the tent, wearing turbans. They were hailed as the ‘beloved five’ or the Panj Piare.
Guru Singh then anointed the men into the Khalsa, which became a special group of initiated Sikhs.
The legacy of Guru Gobind Singh continues to this day, with all men given the surname Singh and all women called Kaur.
Vaisakhi at Trafalgar Square
For Vaisakhi this year, there will be a range of celebrations taking part in London's Trafalgar Square.
Visitors can expect a display of the Sikh martial art gatka, as well as complimentary snacks and Indian tea (langar). There will also be educational talks on Vaisakhi and a children’s marquee with fun activities.
The free event takes place on Saturday, April 6, from midday.
