Sikhs mark understated Vaisakhi due to pandemic restrictions
SOUTHALL KIRTAN USUALLY ATTRACTS 40,000
TUESDAY April 13 marked the holy Sikh festival of Vaisakhi.
Vaisakhi celebrates the birth of the Khalsa – the day Sikhism was born as a collective faith.
Sikhs across London would usually have attended the Gurdwara for prayers and the annual Nagar Kirtan (procession) in Southall, which normally attracts more than 40,000 people.
However, the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Southall, the largest Gurdwara organisation outside of India, is expecting far fewer visitors today due to ongoing Covid19 restrictions.
Harmeet Singh, General Secretary of Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Southall, said: “This year will be the second Vaisakhi that we won’t be celebrating with our usual colourful Nagar Kirtans or large scale functions in our Gurdwaras.
“This Vaisakhi will remind us that the virtues Guru Gobind Singh Ji instilled in the Khalsa are more important than ever.”
The Khalsa was founded by the tenth master Guru Gobind Singh Ji in front of thousands at Anandpur Sahib.
On April 13, 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji laid the foundation of the
Panth Khalsa by baptising five Sikhs. These five men formed the Panj Pyare or ‘Beloved Five’ and embodied the virtues of compassion, righteousness, courage, commitment and oneness.
This led to the celebration of the Vaisakhi or Baisakhi festival. On this day, Sikhs take part in prayers and the singing of kirtans (hymns).
The Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara recently unveiled a new exhibition exploring the history of the Anandpur Sahib for Vaisakhi this year.
In normal times,the procession route of the Nagar Kirtan in Southall is lined with food and drink as people gather to celebrate the festival.
“The street procession would fill the town with kirtan and the sound of prayers,” Harmeet said.
“We would usually have camps for children, outdoor activities almost a festival-like spirit. This year it will all be about personal prayer with family.”
The Gurdwara has had to “scale down” programs and celebrations this year.
Harmeet said: “Families will only be able to sit for a small time [in the Gurdwara].
“Langar (The Gurdwara’s free community kitchen) will be available throughout the day and we will be broadcasting our services online for those unable to attend.”
The Gurdwaras in Southall have played an essential role during the pandemic in supporting vulnerable communities, packaging 3,000 hot meals every day.
These meals are sent to local hospitals and people who are housebound.
Harmeet said: “During the pandemic, Sikhs across the world have shown their compassion and commitment by serving their local communities with Langar (free kitchens), serving all regardless of background, recognising humanity’s oneness.
“Volunteers have shown immense courage, working to feed those on the front line.
“For Sikhs, serving humanity through the pandemic has been the most righteous way to celebrate Vaisakhi.”
For Sikhs, serving humanity through the pandemic has been the most righteous way to celebrate Vaisakhi. Harmeet Singh