Hundreds attend opening of the Sikh Memorial Garden in Bristol

Tuesday 09th April 2019 12:28 EDT
 

The Bristol Sikh Memorial Garden was opened at the Castle Park area on last Tuesday (2 April 2019), making it a moment of history in the UK. This garden, next to St Peter's Church, has been built to commemorate the Sikh soldiers that served in World War I and II. Money to build it was fundraised by Sikh temples and the Sikh community in Bristol. Along with blooming flowerbeds, there are several display boards that provide further information about Sikh soldiers and a bench for passerby to sit on.

Almost 83,000 Sikh soldiers lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars and more than 100,000 were seriously wounded. During the First World War, Sikhs were often called the 'Black Lions'. With Vaisakhi or the Punjabi New Year on 14 April 2019, this memorial has been a peaceful way to commemorate the contribution of these soldiers.

The garden on the day was officially opened by the Duke of Kent. He arrived to a large gathering accompanied by Lord Mayor Cleo Lake, Lord Lieutenant Peaches Golding. Many people from the community has also attended the official opening. Deputy Mayor Asher Craig and several other cabinet members joined the official unveiling. The ceremony began with Sikh men in traditional attires singing Kirtan, having walked through a congregation of service men and women, before the garden was officially unveiled by the Duke of Kent. Despite some showers, the crowd stayed there and later celebrated with a community gathering in the Marriott Hotel.


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