Happy Vaisakhi to all those celebrating!
Waheguru ji ka khalsa Waheguru ji ki fateh.
I was delighted to join the amazing Vaisakhi parade in Southall, one of the biggest of its kind in Europe, with tens of thousands of Londoners from all communities, as well as visitors to our city, celebrating together.
I hope you can join us for City Hall’s celebration of Vaisakhi on Saturday 29 April as we continue the festivities. I promised to bring the event back to Trafalgar Square this year and I have delivered on my pledge, opening the celebration to even more people and giving Londoners from all backgrounds the opportunity to learn about Sikhism and celebrate Vaisakhi. We will have an incredible line up of performers, artists and musicians from across the Sikh community, for what will be an amazing showcase of Sikh and Punjabi heritage and culture in the heart of our great city.
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.
Seva, or selfless service, is integral to Sikhism and this principle of charity and equality is something I deeply respect. I want to thank the volunteers who, all year round, give up their time to provide a good meal to homeless people around the capital. I also want to thank them for the hours of work they have put into making Vaisakhi around the capital such a fantastic celebration.
Many Sikh Londoners have a similar story to me. Our parents and grandparents settled in the UK, made this city their home and made the most of what our capital had to give. As a Mayor for all Londoners, I will do all I can to ensure everyone has the helping hand they need to fulfil their potential.
I'd like to wish the Sikh community of London and beyond a very happy Vaisakhi.
Vaisakhi di lakh lakh vidaiya.
- Sadiq Khan
Vaisakhi Festival takes place 12noon until 6pm on Saturday 29 April. Join us!