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Vaisakhi Mela 2006

Sights and sounds of Vaisakhi Mela 2006

Enjoying Vaisakhi

Vaisakhi is the most important time of the year in the Sikh calendar.

The festival celebrates the harvest and the creation of the Khalsa order – founded by  the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Thousands of people (the sangat) joined the Nagar Kirtan (street procession) from Gurdwaras in Smethwick and Handsworth.

The sangat was led by the Guru Granth Shahib (Sikh Holy Scriptures), Panj Pyare (5 Beloved Ones), gatka demonstrations and dhol players.

The procession ended in Handsworth Park where families enjoyed music, langar (free food), a funfair, live entertainment sport and plenty of other events.

Vaisakhi 2006 in pictures >
 BBC Local TV Vaisakhi Mela 2006 highlights >
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My day at Vaisakhi Mela by Sanjay Dass

Sanjay Dass filmed a report of his day at Vaisakhi Mela for BBC Local TV. Read below how Sanjay enjoyed his day as a BBC reporter and watch his video.

Sanjay writes:

Sanjay Dass

"The whole Vaisakhi Mela was fantastic this year. I joined the Nagar Kirtan from Smethwick high street Gurdwara. The turnout was brilliant.

"There were thousands of people following the Panj Piyare (5 beloved ones) and the Guru Granth Sahib ( the Sikh holy book).

"The best thing was the fact that people of all ages attended, young and old, and even the babies in pushchairs, which I thought was great. I go to the Vaisakhi Mela every year and find that it getS better every year.

"I had a great time being a reporter..."

Thousands walk in the Sangat

"The best highlight of the day was interviewing all the people at Handsworth Park, it was great.

"I tried to talk to as many people as possible and those who I interviewed were telling me how much they enjoyed Vaisakhi this year and everyone was so friendly and happy!

"Also just by looking at how many people followed the procession, demonstrates how dedicated and committed these people are to their religion.

Vaisakhi is my favourite festival

Enjoying Vaisakhi

"This is probably one of my favourite festivals because everyone comes together and celebrates together. Another festival which I also celebrate is called Diwali (festival of light), I usually celebrate Diwali with just with my family, but with Vaisakhi everyone comes together which is what I like.

"With Vaisakhi there is a Mela at the end of the Nagar Kirtan (religious walk), where people can relax after all that walking. As soon as I arrived at Handsworth Park I was running round trying to talk to people (thats if they didn't run away after seeing the camera).

"It was really nice to see people enjoying themselves; watching the children run around in the park and the adults just casually sitting down relaxing (even though the grass was a bit damp).

What Vaisakhi means to me...

Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones)

"Vaisakhi is a time of celebration, it signifies the beginning of the Sikh New Year. I also think that it's the time of year to give seva (voluntary work).

"Seva is when people give their time to help out, the people who were serving the food in the langar (free kitchen), were all giving up their time. Also the stewards gave up their time, making sure that everything ran smoothly along the procession.

"It may be easy to give £1 of your money to help, but it makes more of a difference to give an hour instead.

My faith is important to me...

"My faith is important to me because it gives me guidelines on how to live my life, it tells me what is right and wrong. If I go the Gurdwara (temple) I am expected to abide by the rules and not behave inappropriately.

Dhol players

"Also you should also help others who are in need aswell; I strongly believe that if you do something good, like helping someone in need, you will get something good in return.

And finally...

"Lastly, I would like to say I had a fantastic time meeting all those different people and it had been an excellent experience at the Vaisakhi Mela and I hope to see eveyone there again next year.

"So until next year I would just like to wish everyone a very Happy Vaisakhi!!!"

 Watch Sanjay's film of Vaisakhi Mela 2006 >
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