On 15th May London’s Trafalgar Square played host to the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi. I attended and addressed the audience conveying the Mayor’s feelings that “Vaisakhi is an expression of Sikh values which include generosity and respect for others regardless of creed, race or gender and the event today is an opportunity for all Londoners and visitors to share in this special occasion.”

Vaisakhi is an annual festival, which Britain’s half a million Sikh community celebrates to mark the start of the Sikh New Year and the creation of Sikhism. The vibrant event has both a religious and cultural significance and the views it represents are relevant to us all. Now in its ninth year, the Vaisakhi event attracts people from all faiths, races and backgrounds to the heart of London.

With plenty of exciting and unusual spectacles, Vaisakhi at Trafalgar Square was a fantastic day of festival of the Sikh religion. Hosted by Deepa Rai and Bob B, the afternoon of live entertainment included Bollywood dancers, dhol players and performances from Asli Baharan Punjab Diyan, Foji, Sham D and Chan Has, to name but a few.