 | | Vaisakhi 2005 - Smethwick procession |
Celebrating Vaisakhi in Birmingham Birmingham hosts the second biggest Vaisakhi celebrations in the country.The Sikh multi-cultural festival is open to everyone of all communities. The day begins with a religious processions from gurdwaras in Smethwick and Lozells leading thousands of people through the streets congregating in Handsworth Park for a big Mela where families enjoyed music, langar (free food), a funfair, live music, sport and plenty of other events. Happy Vaisakhi In the Sikh religious calendar Vaisakhi is the happiest and holiest time of the year, signifying the beginning of the Sikh new year.
 | | Birmingham Vaisakhi 2005 |
Use the links on the right menu to read more about the Vaisakhi story>>> Young BBC Vaisakhi reporters 2005... Young people from Smethwick Youth & Community Centre (SYCC) became our BBC Vaisakhi reporters this year. Armed with a BBC video camera they captured the sights and sounds of the day, interviewing people of all ages enjoying the celebrations and filming all the highlights of the event. Starting from the Guru Nanak Gurdwara on Smethwick high street, following the Nagar Kirtan (religious procession) through the streets and into the mela at Handsworth Park.
 | | Guru Nanak Gurdwara - Smethwick |
Filming the Dohl drummers, Gatka performers (a Sikh ancient martial art), floats carrying the priest and holy scriptures, people singing hymns and people walking behind carrying flags, chanting and singing. Use the link on the right menu to watch the highlights of Birmingham Vaisakhi 2005 filmed by Smethwick Youth & Community Centre >>> About the Smethwick Youth & Community Centre Smethwick Youth & Community Centre is a focal point for the Punjabi community in the area running various services in the centre which include: free health assessments, welfare advice, immigration advice, employment advice, youth services and adult education. Most services run are completely free to the public and we get a very high response to all the services.
 | | Birmingham Vaisakhi 2005 |
At present a programme called the ACES project which is funded through the neighbourhood renewal scheme aims at helping students currently studying for their GCSE's to obtain higher grades through one to one coaching. Smethwick Youth & Community Centre, Trinity Point, 1 Trinity Street, Smethwick, B67 7AA - Tel: 0121 565 8870. ** All images on this page were filmed by Smethwick Youth & Community Centre. Watch the full film using the link on the right menu>>> | 
