Mayor of London announces Vaisakhi celebrations at Trafalgar Square
Londoners and visitors are invited to Vaisakhi on the Square on Saturday 19 April for a vibrant celebration of Sikh and Punjabi heritage, culture, and community.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced details of the popular annual event which takes place in the heart of the capital each year.
Vaisakhi is the most significant festival in the Sikh calendar, marking the formation of the Khalsa in 1699. The free, family-friendly event at Trafalgar Square will run from 12pm to 6pm and feature live performances, kirtan devotional music, talks, cultural exhibitions, martial arts, children’s activities, and vegetarian food all showcasing the rich traditions of Sikh and Punjabi culture.
This year Vaisakhi on the Square will be co-hosted by entrepreneur and disability campaigner Shani Dhanda, and DJ and radio presenter Sukhi Bart. The main stage programme will include Kirtan performances from Qi Rattan and Taren Kaur, and there will be demonstrations of the traditional martial art Gatka accompanied by powerful drumming from The Dhol Academy.
Londoners and visitors can also enjoy an exhibition and live podcast recording about Maharajah Ranjit Singh and the birth of the Khalsa, turban-tying workshops, sports activities with the Sikh Games, and an art exhibition by Sikh artists. Families can head to the children’s marquee, where Sikh Colouring will provide free activities for young visitors.
In keeping with the Sikh tradition of Langar, free vegetarian treats and traditional Indian tea will be shared with all attendees, reinforcing the festival’s message of community, equality, and selfless service, known as ‘seva’.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "London’s Sikh and Punjabi communities make an invaluable contribution to life in the capital, and I’m thrilled to welcome back Vaisakhi on the Square. Londoners and visitors can look forward to an afternoon of free, family friendly entertainment and traditional Sikh and Punjabi culture. The festival is a wonderful example of how we celebrate the many communities that make our city a beacon of inclusivity, creating a more united and inclusive capital as we build a better London for everyone.”
Presenter and disability activist, Shani Dhanda, said: "I'm thrilled to be returning as co-host for this year’s Vaisakhi on the Square – it's always such a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and spirit. It’s a real honour to play a part in bringing people together to share in the joy and significance of Vaisakhi!"
A spokesperson for event sponsor Remitly, said: “We know just how important Vaisakhi is for bringing people together – whether you're here in the UK or connecting with loved ones across the world. By sponsoring Vaisakhi on the Square, we’re proud to celebrate alongside the community and share in the colour, music, and spirit of the festival. This celebration reflects our continued commitment to the vibrant diaspora we serve – not just during festivals, but every single day.”
Notes to editors:
For full details visit: www.london.gov.uk/events/vaisakhi-square-2025
For media accreditation email: [email protected] by 12pm on Thursday 17 April