Vaisakhi on the Square
VAISAKHI MELA AT TRAFALGAR SQUARE, LONDONVaisakhi symbolises the start of the harvest season and the beginning of the Sikh New Year, and London's celebrations are an opportunity for people of all faiths and backgrounds to experience a festival that is celebrated by 20 million people across the world. The free event is open to everyone and organised by the Mayor of LondonIn previous years crowds of 30,000 have attended the celebrations, which typically end with a final prayer for the good and well-being of the whole of humanity. Vegetarian food prepared by the Sikh community in the afternoon.Click https://www.london.gov.uk/get-involved/events/vaisakhi-at-city-hall to get latest info on this year's event.Vaisakhi at City HallCity HallThe Queen's WalkSE1 2AALONDON, UKSaturday, 11 April 2015 - 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BIMOLfVVHmk
Posted by TheDutchSikh on Saturday, August 3, 2013
Programme
There’ll be a packed line up of indoor and outdoor activities for everyone. The following is a summary of the programme on the day.
Sikh organisations and Langar (food)
Location: London’s Living Room, 9th floor, City Hall
This iconic space will be taken over by leading Sikh organisations including Khalsa Aid, Sikh 2 Inspire, Sikh Welfare and Awareness Team, UK Punjab Heritage Association and Khalsa Ethics. You can also enjoy Langar – food specially prepared and served by Sikh volunteers.
Shabad Kirtan (spiritual music)
Location: The Chamber, 2nd floor, City Hall
Listen to live performances of Shabad Kirtan – spiritual music by leading Sikh artists, including Qi Rattan; Gurmat Sangeet Academy, Ishminder Kaur and Jatinder Singh Durhailay. Harjinder Lallie will also be discussing the meaning of kirtan.
Outdoor performances
Location: The Scoop at More London
All afternoon there’ll be a non-stop programme of outdoor performances. Highlights include Bhangra and Giddha dance group and Dholis from female drumming and dance group Eternal Taal. There’ll be Gatka from the Baba Fateh Singh Gataka Akhara artial arts group, plus poetry and storytelling.
Turban tying
Location: More London Riverside and City Hall
Find out how to tie a turban with Chardikala Turban Academy.
Children’s activities
Location: Lower Ground floor, City Hall
Free fun activities for children courtesy of Little Sikhs, themed around the meaning of Vaisakhi and the Sikh way of life. You’ll be able to learn simple words in Punjabi, enjoy storytelling, singing kirtan and make musical toys.
Displays by Sikh organisations
Location: Map and Lower Ground floor area, City Hall
See displays by Sikh organisations on a range of different themes including community, professional, education, charities, sport, media, arts and family.
Exhibitions
Location: Lower Ground floor and 2nd floor, City Hall
See displays of photographs and works by Sikh artists including:
- The Singh Project - The beard and turban - Sikh men by Amit and Naroop.
- Artworks by Kiranjeet Kaur and Jag Lall.
- #I am Punjab an exhibition looking at strength and courage of mothers in Punjab
- Amandeep Singh (aka Inkquisitive), a famous artist from east London.
Films
Location: Committee rooms, Lower Ground floor, City Hall
Watch a rolling programme of short films by Sikh artists on the hour. There’ll also be several question and answer sessions. Short films include’ What is Sikhism?’ – Nishkam; ‘The Way I Dress’; Freedom of Food & the Golden Temple’; Sikh Formaggio’.
