Families came together at the third Northern Sikh Mela in Huddersfield yesterday
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| The Northern Sikh Mela in Huddersfield |
27 Aug 2013: And the event brought members of the Sikh community from as far away as Birmingham to the community day in Deighton.
Jag Bhullar, one of the organising committee, said it was a day for community spirit, for families to spend time together and for the wider community to find out more about Sikh traditions.
Activities ranged from a bird of prey display to archery and fairground rides.
There was also a performance by singer-songwriter Sukshinder Shinda, who is one of the biggest Punjabi singers in the UK.
Mr Bhullar, a Cowlersley businessman, said: “This is the third Northern Sikh Mela we’ve held here at Warrenside.
“We have Sikhs coming together in celebration and also we have members of all other communities invited to integrate and to find out more.
“It’s a family celebration, we ask that there is no alcohol, meat or drugs which is forbidden in the Sikh religion.
“We always have a fantastic day.”
Among those attending was Kuldip Kooner and his family, including two children aged three and nine months.
He said: “Events like this will help them appreciate their heritage and learn more.”
Bal Tung, of Fixby, said: “It’s a brilliant event, a really good way to get everyone together and show children more about religion in a fun way.
“I grew up in Huddersfield and there isn’t the biggest Sikh population but we do come together really well and work with others to show our traditions.”
The event was organised by Huddersfield Sikh Youth and was funded by donations and support from the temples.
Mr Bhullar said Huddersfield had around 3,000 Sikh residents, but he said around 5,000 people were expected at the five-hour event from all over the north.
Crowds enjoy the sunshine at the stage area of the Mela
Children enjoy one of the fairground rides
“We want the wider community to feel we are open and they can interact with us and enjoy learning more about Sikhs,” he added.
“We thought having birds of prey would be good because they have a historical connection.
“Traditionally our guru used to have a hawk and so the children can see one and they find out more with family.
“It’s also a good chance for all of the family to come together, the elders can mix with the grandchildren and enjoy being outside together.”
Enjoying the day was Karen Whitley of Fixby and her children Alex, Carly and Leon.
Karen said: “It’s a brilliant event. The Sikhs are such an open community and are willing to explain about their traditions, especially to my young children who perhaps wouldn’t know why people wear a turban, and things like that.
“The atmosphere is brilliant.”