‘Vaisakhi’ is a historical and religious festival for Sikhs worldwide. It is celebrated in mid-April. It commemorates the birth and formation of the Khalsa Panth (the body of fully initiated Sikhs) following a sacrificial sword ritual ceremony in 1699 by the last of the ten Sikh human gurus, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It was about transforming Sikhs into soldier saints.

Five men who took the test of offering their lives on Guru’s call, became known as the Panj Piare ('Beloved Five') – each one embodying the virtues of compassion, righteousness, courage, commitment and oneness. They were then baptised into the ‘Khalsa’ by the Guru sprinkling on them Amrit ('immortalising nectar': the Sikh term for holy water).

The Khalsa is therefore a collective of committed Sikhs (male and female) who are mandated to fight oppression and uphold freedom and work to provide basic needs of all people – serving everyone, regardless of their background, recognising humanity’s oneness.

On Vaisakhi, Gurudwaras (Sikh Temples) are decorated. Community fairs and Nagar Kirtan (street processions) are held, and people gather to socialize and share festive foods.

This year in Luton, hundreds of men, women and youth came out in a street procession, led by beautifully decorated vehicles, religious and community leaders, demonstrating their devotion and community spirit as throughout the procession, at various points, devotees shared free food. Even before and after the procession, ‘Langar’ (free meal) was served and prayers were offered for the whole of humanity at Guru Nanak Gurudwara on Dallow Road. A minute silence was also observed for the people in Ukraine.

As the procession had passed through Bury Park, the President, Head Imam, Committee Members from the Central Mosque and several others from the Muslim community greeted the Sikh leaders with garlands and distributed hot snacks and tea to hundreds of Sikhs walking in the procession. This was a real testament of how Luton’s communities live in harmony with one another.

Luton's Sikhs greeted by Muslims at Vaisakhi Celebrations