The Sikh community in Handsworth prepares for a major gathering at the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha Gurdwara to honour the creation of their faith

This Saturday, the Sikh community of Birmingham anticipates the arrival of up to 10,000 attendees at the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha Gurdwara in Handsworth for the Vaisakhi festival. Vaisakhi, a cornerstone in the Sikh calendar, marks the year 1699 when Sikhism was established as a collective faith.

Preparations are in full swing, with community members, including many volunteers, gathering to cook in the gurdwara’s Langar, a community kitchen that serves free, fresh vegetarian meals to all visitors. Jasvinder Kaur, one of the volunteers, highlighted the purity and care involved in the meal preparation, ensuring that it is not only nourishing but also imbued with devotion and love.

“Making the Langar fresh and pure vegetarian is our focus today,” Kaur said, noting the absence of eggs, fish, meat, or alcohol in the offerings. She added that all ingredients are sourced locally, embodying the community’s commitment to sustainability and respect for all forms of life.

Another volunteer, Ranjit Singh, explained the significance of the day’s events, which will include a 24-hour recitation of daily prayers, a tradition that brings the community together in spiritual observance and reflection. “From 05:00 BST onwards, individuals and families, young and old, will join us. We’re hosting a continuous recitation of our daily prayers as part of the Vaisakhi observance,” Singh stated.

The Langar hall, where people sit to eat, is expected to be bustling with activity and fellowship. Singh emphasized that everyone is welcome to join in the celebrations, regardless of their background. “Visitors will receive a warm welcome without the need for any special arrangements. It’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone to see what Vaisakhi is all about and to experience our community’s hospitality,” he added.