Dazzling colours shine as parade hits streets

Tens thousands of people took to the streets in the Midlands for one of the country's largest Vaisakhi celebrations.

Five Sikhs in traditional dress led a procession from the Gurdwara Baba Sang temple in St Paul's Road, Smethwick, yesterday – followed by thous-ands from local congregations.

At the same time, a separate procession set off from the Gurdwara temple in Hockley.

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At the head of each procession were the Holy Scriptures of Revelation – referred to as the living Guru Granth Sahib.

The marches culminated in live music and entertainment in Handsworth Park. There was also Punjabi food and craft stalls as well as the traditional Langar, a free vegetarian feast.

Temple president Parmjit Singh Dhillon said: "It was absolutely fantastic. Despite the bad weather the vibrancy of the community was brilliant. There were 60,000 people at least. The front of the procession was reaching the park before the end of it had even left Soho Road. It makes us proud to be Sikh and British."

The Vaisakhi celebrations marks the formation of the Sikh nation or Khalsa Panth in 1699. The five Sikhs leading each procession represent the original Panj Pyare, or beloved ones, who were the first to join the Sikh order over 300 years ago.

West Midlands Police officer Eakbinder Kaur, chair of the Sikh Police Forum, said: "Vaisakhi is one of the most important events in the Sikh calendar and it resonates both at a religious and cultural level.

"It marks the formation of the Khalsa and, coupled with the harvest season in Punjab, makes it very significant time of year for Sikhs and Punjabi folk."

Sharon Lea, Director of Environment and Culture for Birmingham City Council said: "Birmingham's vibrant Vaisakhi festival shows how people come together in the city to celebrate their cultural identity and is part of a calendar of diverse community."