Sadiq Khan has announced plans for this year’s Vaisakhi festival on Saturday 28thApril. The celebration of Sikh culture and heritage will take place in Trafalgar Square following the successful return to the central London location last year.
Vaisakhi is a celebration of Sikh and Punjabi tradition, heritage and culture, commemorating the birth of the Khalsa (the inner core of the Sikh faith) over 300 years ago as well as marking the Punjabi New Year.
Together with representatives from across the Sikh community, the Mayor of London has created a family-friendly programme filled with the best of Sikh culture and heritage. Highlights include live stage performances of kirtan and dharmic music and volunteers from the Sikh community will treat the audience to langar (free food). The food will be made fresh on the day and will be free to everyone joining the celebrations in the Square, and there will also be a range of street food stalls, such as sugar cane, ice golas and coconut milk. Visitors to the Square will also have the opportunity to learn about the Sikh community through a range of stalls on the day and art exhibitions by Sikh artists from around the world. With turban tying demonstrations, sports activities and children’s arts and crafts, there is something for everyone.
The performances on the main stage in Trafalgar Square will be hosted by Harjap Bhangal, a lawyer who hosts TV show Legal Solutions and Harpz Kaur from BBC Asian Network.
The event will also pay tribute to the Sikh soldiers who exhibited extraordinary bravery and sacrifices in the service of Great Britain during both World Wars, through a WWI Sikh soldier re-enactment.
To mark the centenary year since the first women secured the right to vote, and as part of the #BehindEveryGreatCity campaign, the Vaisakhi celebrations will shine a light on the great female figures of Sikh history and reflect on the role played by Princess Sophia Alexandra Duleep Singh in the Suffrage Movement 100 years ago.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said,“I am delighted to be hosting London’s Vaisakhi celebrations in Trafalgar Square again this year, and to join the Sikh community at this fantastic event. When I think of the Sikh community in London and the contribution they have made to the capital – socially, culturally and economically - I feel proud. I'd like to wish the Sikh community of London and beyond a very happy Vaisakhi. Vaisakhi di lakh lakh vidaiya.”
