Urban Turban recipe for harmony with Sikhs' 'biggest food bank in the world'

One of the organisers, Dapinder Singh, said: "Langar is the free kitchen which can be found in all Gurdwaras across the world.

"They serve hot meals every single day and are open to people of all races, religions, genders and creeds.

"The Langar is the biggest food bank across the world, with tens of millions being fed free hot meals every single day.

"Since the recession, the number of people from all communities coming to partake in the Langar has risen.

"However, most of the public still don't know that the Langar exists and so live day by day in great difficulty and hardship. This proposed event will educate people of Langar and so ease many of their hardships.

"Langar is one of the fundamentals of Sikhism."

The Urban Turban event also aims to help increase community cohesion among Sikhs and non-Sikhs in the city.

Mr Singh said: "After 9/11 there were lots of stereotypes about people wearing turbans, when 99%of people who wear them are Sikh.

"Sikhs have made a huge contribution to the UK in World War One and Two but there was still negative feelings towards the community.

"The turban has become a symbol of resentment and attack. This has bred a lot of misconception within the general public of those wearing turbans.

"This culminated in the Wisconsin massacre in North America at a Sikh Temple.

"We're hoping this event will educate the public about Sikhs, Sikhism and the beliefs in equality for all, service to mankind and meditation to connect to the Creator."

The Urban Turban event is in the Market Place.

There will be several tents, marquees and gazebos and a chance for people to have their very own turban tied.

Crowds will be entertained with live spiritual music, and can see an Anglo-Sikh history exhibition and have a bite to eat at the Langar, where food will be free.

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Sikhism is the 4th largest religion in the World yet most people have no idea of the philosophy is. When asked, most people think Sikhs are Muslims, which has lead to misguided attacks upon Sikhs. The fault doesn't lie within the media or government, the fault lies directly with the Sikh community. Guru Nanak travelled the World enlightening people to the message of divine love but we can't be bothered to deliver this message to other Sikhs, let alone the World.

The Sikh youth of Derby UK have got together and organised a turban day, called "The Urban Turban", smack bang within the middle of Town Centre. Visitors will have the opportunity to have their very own personalised turban tied, enjoy live Kirtan (spiritual music), take in an Anglo-Sikh History Exhibition and last but not least LANGAR!! We will also be blessed with the attendance of Jugraaj Singh and crew (Basics of Sikhi) and other Gursikhs from across the UK.

This is an opportunity for those that are interested in Sikhi to learn in a fun, Vibrant and colourful atmosphere. This is also an opportunity, for those of us that have chosen the path of Sikhi, to share this love with others. The vast majority of Sikhs are of Punjabi descent and because of this there is a misconception that all Sikhs are Indian and that Sikhi is a cultural thing rather than a philosophy and way of life. So it would therefore be brilliant if those Sikhs that come from a non-Punjabi heritage are present at this event, to talk to the public.

This event was inspired by the regular Turban Day in Norway, see video above.

The event is to be held this Saturday 7th September, 11am - 5pm, @ The Market Place (Outside Assembly Rooms), Town Centre, Derby, England, United Kingdom.

Keep up to date with the event at https://m.facebook.com/TheUrbanTurban