Vaisakhi 2022 Birmingham: when is Hindu and Sikh festival, what date is it celebrated, and events near me

The Sikh festival of Vaisakhi takes place today, and events are due to take place across the UK throughout the month.

Birmingham is no exception, with events planned today (13 April) and for later in the month.

Here’s all you need to know about the celebration, where there are events taking place in Birmingham and some history of Vaisakhi

When is Vaisakhi celebrated?

The celebration of Vaisakhi is celebrated officially on 13 April, but is celebrated by Siks throughout the month of April.

Events are due to take place across the UK throughout the month, including right here in Birmingham.

How is Vaisakhi celebrated?

Sikhs have been celebrating Vaisakhi annually in the UK for over 40 years in the traditional form of street processions known as Nagar Kirtans, making them an established part of British culture.

Nagar Kirtans are used to showcase aspects of Sikhi to wider communities. Nagar translates as town and Kirtan refers to the singing of spiritual hymns.

Open air events take place with Gurbani (Hymns) sung, langar (free food) is served and there are often displays of Sikh martial arts too.

Vaisakhi is also celebrated in Hinduism, as it marks the beginning of Hindu solar New Year

How is Vaisakhi being celebrated in Birmingham?

Across Birmingham, there are many events taking place throughout the month to celebrate Vaisakhi.

In Handsworth Park, there was a free family event which was open to all members of the community and included Sikh cultural activities on 13 April.

This also had a marquee where langar was served to people in attendance.

According to the Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick Facebook, Smethwick will host the “largest Vaisakhi 2022 celebration in Birmingham” on Sunday, 24 April.

The temple has asked for the support of the public to make the event a success.

To find out more and to see how you can help support the event, visit the temple’s Facebook page.

What is Vaisakhi?

Vaisakhi is a Sikh festival which falls on either 13 or 14 April each year but is celebrated throughout the month.

The festival is a time for Sikhs to celebrate the birth of The Khalsa, this is a collective community instituted by Guru Gobind Singh on 30 March 1699.

A declaration was made by The Khalsa. This, according to Britannica, had three dimensions: it redefined the concept of authority within the Sikh community; it introduced a new initiation ceremony and code of conduct; and it provided the community with a new religious and political vision.

Khalsa is used to denote both the body of initiated Sikhs and the community of all Sikhs.

According to Sikh PA, in April 1699 the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji tested the commitment of thousands of Sikhs.

The first five to pass his test were initiated into a new order, called the Khalsa. These five men came to be known as the Panj Pyare (five beloved).

A spokesperson for the Sikh PA said: “Sikhi is the fifth largest religion in the world with approximately 30 million followers world wide andover 400,000 in the UK.

“Much of the British population will be familiar with the site of NagarKirtans but there’s still a huge lack of understanding about what the celebrations are for.”