London’s Trafalgar Square came alive on April 19 as Vaisakhi on the Square celebrated Sikh culture, heritage, and the founding of the Khalsa in a vibrant day-long festival. The free, family-friendly event, which ran until 6pm, drew crowds from across the city, offering a rich blend of tradition, history, and contemporary Sikh identity.
Hosted by entrepreneur and disability advocate Shani Dhanda and DJ, radio presenter, and artist Sukhi Bart, the event showcased the diversity and depth of Sikh culture through music, art, and community experiences.
The day featured soulful kirtan performances by Qi Rattan and Taren Kaur, along with impressive demonstrations of gatka, the traditional Sikh martial art. Visitors also enjoyed turban-tying sessions, took part in the Sikh Games — a lively celebration of sport, strength, and community — and explored creative activities at the children’s marquee, hosted by Sikh Colouring.
This year’s Vaisakhi on the Square also offered a deeper look into Sikh history, with a special exhibition highlighting the life and legacy of Maharajah Ranjit Singh and the formation of the Khalsa in 1699. A live podcast recording further brought this history to life, engaging audiences with stories of Sikh resilience and leadership.
In keeping with the spirit of Langar — the Sikh tradition of community sharing — attendees were invited to enjoy free vegetarian food and traditional Indian tea throughout the day.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan also extended Vaisakhi wishes sharing photographs from the event on social media. On Instagram, he wrote, “Sikh and Punjabi Londoners make a huge contribution to the spirit and success of our city.
“Great to see Londoners of all backgrounds come together in Trafalgar Square today to celebrate Vaisakhi.”
