Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi with a colourful parade through Birmingham

Apr 27 2009 by Mark Cowan, Birmingham Mail

BIRMINGHAM was awash with a sea of orange as thousands of Sikhs paraded through city streets to mark the annual Vaisakhi festival.

Scores of revellers, proudly wearing the colour of the Sikh nation, marched from the Ramgarhia Sikh Gurdwara, in Hockley, to the energetic sound of the rhythmic beating drums.

The procession that snaked through Birmingham was a scene of riotous colour, singing and music as those taking part revelled in the spring sunshine.

At the head of the procession were five men dressed in traditional outfits and the Holy Scriptures of Revelation, referred to as the living Guru Granth Sahib.

The march culminated in Handsworth Park when the crowds joined those who had journeyed from a Gurdwara in Smethwick. It is estimated that as many as 25,000 took part in the two processions.

Young children were delighted as the energetic drummers led the crowds into the park for the festive atmosphere.

Wearing their orange or kesri head dresses, many people ate picnics as they lapped up the afternoon sun, while others enjoyed free food for all in the giant community kitchen.

Children had their hands painted with traditional signs while other youngsters played in a football tournament.