THE CROWDS came out in the sunshine on Sunday for Coventry’s annual Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan parade with five city charities also benefiting.
The event got under way with a gathering at the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Parkash (GGNP) where there were speeches from Sikh representatives and other community figures.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
In line with the Sikh philosophy of ‘Vand Ke Shakna’ – or charitable giving – each of the causes – West Midlands Ambulance Service Benevolent Fund, Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC), Acorns Children’s Hospice, Khalsa Fostering and the Coventry Resource Centre for the Blind – received £501. The cash was raised by the Sikh community.
Picture by Gurmit Sandhu. s
The Nagar Kirtan was led by five Sikhs – the ‘Panj Pyare’ or beloved ones – who were dressed in traditional attire.
They were followed by several colorful floats with the leading one carrying the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Sikh’s holy scriptures.
Picture by Gurmit Sandhu. s
The procession also featured drumming and sword fighting demonstrations and concluded with a Gatka martial arts display by Sikh warriors.
Free food and refreshments were given out to people beforehand and during the procession which was attended by more than 10,000 people.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
Surinder Nagra was there on behalf of Suky Dhindsa who had been raising funds for Acorns.
She said: “We call her ‘Super Suky’ – she’s such an inspiration and would have loved to be hear today but is currently running the London Marathon for the cause.
“After an initial target of £2,500, she raised more than £5,000 and this £501 from the Sikh community to boost it further is amazing – it’s great to see recognition for different people in Coventry doing so much good.”
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media.
Sandheep Sandhu talks to us about the history of the Sikh religion.
The Vaisakhi parade has been held in Coventry for well over 20 years and has been getting busier every year.
