For the Sikh community, Vaisakhi is a very important holiday that commemorates the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699.
It is seen as a period for introspection, appreciation, and camaraderie.
The Shri Guru Nanak Gurdwara on Kembrey Street hosted a variety of events to commemorate the annual occasion over the course of the weekend of Saturday, April 13, for the Sikh community in Swindon.
This featured other significant rituals such as the yearly changing of the Nishan Sahib, the holy banner that identifies every Gurdwara.
The Gurdwara welcomes visitors in addition to the Sikh community in Swindon, and Wiltshire Police officers paid a visit to take part in the festivities.
Over 2,000 individuals are thought to have attended the celebrations on Saturday and Sunday. Volunteers helped plan the event and provide food for attendees both before and throughout the weekend.
Overseeing these arrangements were the unpaid volunteers of the Shri Guru Nanak Gurdwara Trustees and Committee, who informed the Adver that the weekend proved to be a great success, uniting people from all around Swindon.
“We get together on a few occasions a year, but this is the biggest, and it’s a really good time for the community, kids and adults alike,” they stated.
“It has been an incredibly enjoyable weekend; this establishment is welcoming to all who wish to visit,”
To interact with the community, the globally renowned charity Khalsa Aid set up a stall at the Gurdwara on Sunday.
With chapters in several nations, the humanitarian organisation has been operating for 25 years.
One of their UK initiatives, Langar Aid, involves supplying food assistance to individuals in need via soup kitchens and food packages, based on referrals.
The event, according to Representative Bill Mato, was a great way to unite people and support those in need.
“We have a stall to demonstrate what we do globally and here in the UK. We can interact with the local community and find out if Swindon needs any food assistance,” he continued.
“The Sikh community in Swindon has brought people together, making this weekend a terrific opportunity to interact and have face-to-face conversations with them.
“People from a variety of backgrounds and walks of life can come here and get something.”
