Happy Vaisakhi 2023

Taking place on Thursday 13 April, the Sikh community from all around the world will gather together to celebrate the traditional harvest festival of Vaisakhi, also known as Baisakhi.

The festival commemorates the creation of the Khalsa – the collective name given to Sikhs who have been baptised by Guru Gobind Singh, a Sikh Guru.

Five men, known as the Pang Piare or the ‘Beloved Five’, formed the first members of the Khalsa in 1699 and were baptised by the Guru who sprinkled them with holy water called Amrit.

To celebrate Vaisakhi, Sikhs will often visit places of worship called Gurdwaras. Many people will dress in traditional Indian clothing, usually in shades of orange and blue to represent the colours of Sikhism. Further celebrations include parades, singing and music, and special processions through the streets called the Nagar Kirtan, where people of all faiths are welcome to join in.

What’s on in Brum

This year, there are a number of events taking place across Birmingham to mark Vaisakhi over the weekend, including a Nagar Kirtan in Handsworth Park on Sunday 30 April.

Find out what other events and activities are taking place to celebrate Vaisakhi by following UoB’s Sikh Society on Instagram and staying up to date with the Visit Birmingham page on Vaisakhi.

We wish all staff and students a very happy Vaisakhi at this special time of year.