Please note that this event has already occured.
Key information
Date: Saturday 16 April 2022
Time: 1:00pm to 6:00pm
Venue: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN, GB
Cost: Free
Head to Trafalgar Square to enjoy our Vaisakhi festival, a celebration of Sikh tradition, heritage and culture.
There will be free light bites and Indian tea (Langar), demonstrations of martial arts (Gatka), entertainment and a display of Sikh art.
Vaiskahi is one of the most important festivals in the Sikh calendar and marks the establishment of the Khalsa Panth in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru.
The festival is also celebrated in Hinduism as it marks the start of the solar new year.
Programme
Come and join host Tommy Sandhu, enjoy some langer and tea and the following programme of activities on Trafalgar Square:
Opening ceremony
At 1pm a 10-piece marching band from Asian British Music ('ABM') will perform the Sikh anthem 'Deh Shiva Bar Mohe Hai'.
Langar demonstrations
Watch expert chefs prepare Sikh dishes traditionally offered as langar and promoting sustainability in terms of minimising food waste and encouraging the use of organic produce. Sponsored by Mor Foods.
- Langar demos of Daal, Sabji, Roti & Kheer by Chef Manpreet Singh are taking place at: 1.40pm, 3pm and 4.20pm
- Food demos of Paneer Tikka & Apple Jalebi by Chef Arbinder Singh are taking place at: 1.20pm, 2.20pm, 3.40pm and 5pm
- Talk/Parchaar explaining 'What is Langar?' by Davinder Singh are taking place at: 2pm, 3.20pm and 4.40pm
Gatka
Baba Fateh Singh Gatka Akhara, and Dhol Academy will demonstrate in the D-ring in front of Nelson's Column at 2pm and 4pm
Big screen
Enjoy kirtan performances from Qi-Rattan and Manika Kaur recorded especially for Vaisakhi 2022 as well as celebratory messages from Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP for Slough and Karenjeet Bains, the first Sikh woman to compete for Great Britain in powerlifting. From 5pm-6pm, we are partnering with the London Indian Film Festival and will be showing a collection of shorts films.
Sikh art exhibition
Enjoy a display by Sikh artists from around the world showcasing their finest work.
Talks
What is Vaisakhi: an interactive and educational talks area where you can learn all about Vaisakhi from the Basics of Sikhi.
Children's marquee
A range of free and fun activities provided by Kiddie Sangat for children to do including Mala making, Khanda colouring as well as creating your own Kirpan on a gatra to take home.
Thank you to our sponsors
- Children's Activities Partner: Western Union
- Radio Partner: Lyca Radio
- Langar sponsor: Mor Foods
- Volunteers: Seva
- Tea location: Punjab
- Langar location & chefs: Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall
- Langar location & chefs: Dasmesh Darbar
- Volunteer Support: Nishaan
Stalls
- Defence Sikh Network
- City Sikhs/ British Sikh Report
- Sikh Women's Aid
- Gender Equality Matters
- Kundalini Yoga and Meditation
- Brown Girl Like Me - Jaspreet Kaur
- Sahara Sisterhood & Educate Punjab
- The Jaskomal Foundation
- EcoSikh UK
- Sikh Games
Artists
- Vik Kainth
- SKSart
- ASMCollection
- Kirpa Kaur Sehmi
- Dreaamart
- SUM_CREATIVE_ART
- Ishpal Kaur
- Indy Chonk
- Pav Bharaj
- 1chagger
- Hue and Bristle by Ginny Singh
- Gurbinder
Conditions of entry to Trafalgar Square
Please do not attend the event if you feel unwell, or have recently been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Please note this event will be filmed and photographed. Your entry and presence at the event constitutes your consent to be photographed and/or filmed. The resulting images may be used for promotional and marketing purposes.