May 19, 2014: MEMBERS of the Sikh religion paraded in glorious sunshine to celebrate the creation of their faith.
Hundreds of people regaled in vibrant, traditional orange and blue gathered for the Siri Akhand Path Sahib at Siri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in St George.
The parade, led by City of Bristol Pipes and Drums, was attended by people from all over the UK including Lord Mayor of Bristol Faruk Choudhury.
Nachhatar Singh, 58, of Southall in London, was one of the organisers of Sunday's festivities.
He said: "Today is a day to mark Khalsa Panth, the creation of the Sikh religion. We get together and we celebrate and gather in all the people of the city who can come and participate, whether they are black, white, blue or green."
The procession took in four Sikh temples, in a circular route which returned to the starting point for food, stalls and singing.
Councillor Choudhury joined in the spirit of the occasion with a bright orange scarf on his head.
He said: "It shows Bristol is a diverse city with every faith, culture and colour standing side by side.
"It is very nice to see the Sikh community celebrate a very important day. As Lord Mayor it is a privilege for me to witness it and represent the city today. The weather was a gift from us for our guests."
Superintendent Mike Prior, of Avon and Somerset police, along with fellow officers also donned an orange head scarf.
He said: "It is a deeply religious, cultural day which exemplifies community spirit in Bristol. Everyone can celebrate each other's beliefs."
Ian Wyllie, 74, of Clevedon, was leading the procession with kilted members of City of Bristol Pipe and Drums. He said: "We have done so for the past five years, they just love the pipe bands."
Emma Kaur, 39, a shop supervisor from Hanham, said: "It is a celebration of the beginning of the Sikh New Year, and the beginning of the Sikh religion."