Features

Panj Pyare (5 Beloved Ones)

The Nagar Kirtan was for me, the most special part of the day. The whole procession went faultlessly, and there were amazing scenes as a near twenty thousand people (the Sangat)  followed the Guru Granth Shahib (Sikh Holy Scriptures) and Panj Pyare (5 Beloved Ones) from Smethwick Gurdwara to Handsworth Park.

Browse through loads of pictures taken at Vaisakhi 2005 using the gallery links on the right menu>>>

Happy people

Along the way I meet some of the friendliest people I have ever come across, everyone in their own way enjoying and paying their respects during the Nagar Kirtan. The motorcyclist at the front of  the procession was adorable, and even let me sit on the motorbike!

Dhol players

The dhol players just behind, were incredible, not stopping the marching beat of their enthusiasm for the entire walk. The stewards also deserve a special mention, as they kept the proceedings going along very smoothly, with no signs of any trouble throughout the whole day as they marshalled and ensured the safety of the entire Sangat.

Thousands upon thousands

Whilst photographing, I had the great pleasure of standing on various walls throughout the Nagar Kirtan, trying to get a great shot of the Sangat. The photographs don’t really do justice to the amazing scenes of thousands upon thousands of people following the Guru Granth Sahib.

Vaisakhi 2005 - Smethwick procession

The huge array of flags and splashes of colour amongst the vast Sangat was a beauty to behold, and I felt very honoured to be part of such a prestigious and holy day. If you didn’t manage to do the Nagar Kirtan this year, I would strongly recommend you do it next year because it is such an uplifting, friendly and incredible atmosphere that you cannot help but be touched, as it means so much to every person involved.

Don't go standing on any walls

However what I wouldn’t recommend is to stand up on a very high wall to get a photograph, because as I found out to my hardship, the embarrassment of falling off and tumbling onto your knees in front of hundreds of people, is very hard to bear!!! I of course, dusted off my knees and sprinted away as though nothing had occurred, and I was especially thankful that at least I chose to land on the hard concrete rather than the canal side river behind me.

Junior football player

Something that nearly matched the scenes of me hurdling various walls, were the very first three-point turns performed by two buses, I had ever witnessed! With nowhere to go the bus drivers had no choice but to turn the other way. My only regret is not having filmed the spectacle!

Mela in the Park

The Mela in Handsworth Park was as fun packed and friendly as it is every year, with an estimated 50 000 people enjoying the festivities. From old to young, the fairground rides, the football tournaments, singing and dhol playing was enjoyed by all.

Me on a motorbike

It was particularly special for the under-10 year old boys that won medals for their part in the football tournament. However, my only qualm is that there was no football tournament involving girls. As an ardent football fan myself, I think it’s imperative that this is added to next years Mela. After all everyone is equal, boys and girls, men and women alike, and thus there needs to be a pedestal for our young Sikh girls to step onto too.

From Smethwick to Amritsar

As the day wound down to an end, I was left with a sense of longing. I didn’t want the day to end, as throughout the day I had met so many friendly people and I had enjoyed the Nagar Kirtan so much, that if it were possible I would’ve walked from Smethwick to Amritsar.

Daljit Singh Shergill

A fantastic atmosphere, friendly people and with the sun shining, Birmingham’s Vaisakhi Mela lived up to its brilliant reputation. So until next year, on the holiest of holy days in the Sikh calendar, I’ll definitely be there to celebrate all that’s rich and right with our religion and culture.

Browse through loads of pictures taken at Vaisakhi 2005 using the gallery links on the right menu>>>

An interview with Daljit Singh

Daljit Singh Shergill is the President of Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick and one of the main organisers of Vaisakhi 2005. He talks to Jasakirt about his role at the Gurdwara and the joys of celebrating Vaisakhi.

Use the Daljit Singh interview link on the right menu to read what he had to say >>>