Vaisakhi in London

Special Event

5 May 2013
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN [map]

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Overview

Each year, London celebrates Vaisakhi, the Sikh New Year festival, in Trafalgar Square.

Previous events have been very popular, with around 30,000 people attending during the day.

This is a free, family day out featuring contemporary and traditional Asian music, dance, DJ sets and fun activities for children.

London Vaisakhi 2013

In 2013, London's official Vaisakhi celebrations will happen in Trafalgar Square on 5 May from 12 noon to 6pm.

This year's sizzling musical line-up features

Channi Singh of Alaap
Shin from UK Bhangra legends DCS
Navin Kundra, who has scored six no.1s in the UK Asian charts
Juggy D, aka the 'Punjabi Rockstar'
Foji, Bhangra superstar of the UK Asian download chart
Phat Kat, presenting the sound of London's Asian youth

Pioneers of British Bhangra, the legendary Heera Group will also be playing, while British born Hindi singer Avina Shah is performing with Kishan Amin – tipped to be the next big Bollywood artist from the UK. The musical entertainment also includes the unique sounds of Badal, the youthful and talented San2 and Asli Baharan Punjab Diyan (ABPD), the UK's first mixed Bhangra and Giddha group.

Other highlights include top DJs and children's activities including arts and crafts, henna artists and face painting.

Vaisakhi: The Sikh New Year

Vaisakhi, the Sikh New Year, is the holiest day of the calendar for over 20m Sikhs worldwide. It is celebrated on 13 April (occasionally 14 April) each year. On this day in 1699, Sikhism was born as a collective faith. Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Master of the Sikhs, initiated the Sikhs as the Khalsa or the pure and sincere. He bound the Sikhs to a strict code of conduct and, with uncut hair, beard and turban, gave the Sikhs a distinct identity.

The celebration of Vaisakhi takes the form of continuous reading of the Sikh Scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, over a period of three days. That is followed by the recitation of sacred hymns. The service ends with a final prayer for the good and well-being of the whole of humanity, and the serving of sacramental food.

Vaisakhi on the Square is presented by the Mayor of London.