All over the world wherever Sikhs live, it is nice to think that Sikhs would be walking from Gurudwara to Gurudwara, to celebrate the most important day in their history, the birth day of the Khalsa, when Guru Gobind Singh Ji ordained the order of the Khalsa.

Vasakhi is the most important of all of the Sikh festivals, on both a social, and religious level - socially, Vasakhi was the time of the harvest festival, after which people would celebrate the harvest. Religiously Vasakhi is a time when people think about their commitments to Sikhism and try and develop themselves, much like new year's resolutions. Vasakhi is also a time to meet family and friends and celebrate.

The Nagar Keertan is a pure celebration, and is an invitation to all regardless of caste, religion and creed to join the Sikhs in celebrating their religion and culture. I have participated in the procession for the past ten years and it has most definitely become a much anticipated annual event in the lives of Yorkshire Sikhs. Bradford can be proud of organising one of the largest Nagar Keertans in the country.

Whole families normally participate. I can see how the participants change, but the main ethos of singing in the praise of God, Sewa, service to all in the form of Langar, free food and involvement of the whole community in the preparation of the float lives on. One of the nicest things about the Nagar Keertan is that all are involved, whether they be older folks being escorted from Gurudwara to Gurudwara on a double-decker bus, or younger toddlers eating one of the many sweets and lollipops that are handed out for free. Everyone participates in his or her own way.

Some people walk behind the Guru Granth Sahib Ji barefoot, although not all are this brave! This is one of the few walks where you put weight on, while you're are walking, as opposed to losing it! Food, in the form of langar (the Guru's kitchen) is provided to all participants and passers by in abundance.

The greatest thing to see is the unity in the Sikh community that the Nagar Keertan inspires.

It is also a way for the Sikhs to say thank you to the city of Bradford. The walk has always been supported by the police, without whom it would not be possible. We would also like to thank all the tolerant Bradfordians for putting up with the traffic disruption, and last year Bradford City Football Club even agreed to delay the start of a football match to accommodate the Nagar Keertan. All of this gives a positive message from the city of Bradford.

So, thank you Bradford, you are all always welcome to join in, and we as Sikhs hope to see more of Bradford next year celebrating with us.

Jasjit Singh

If you would like to write an account of your faith festival or celebration for us to publish on this site then e-mail us at bradford.online@bbc.co.uk