Sikhs carrying flags with the Sikh Khanda in Hounslow take part in Vaisakhi celebrations and a procession
Vaisakhi celebrates the formation of the Sikh Khalsa in 1699, when 5 brave Sikhs were baptised by the guru. These five are commemorated in the event by the five Sikhs dressed in orange with swords held up, the Panj Pyare or five beloved ones. The Sikh holy scriptures, the Guru Granth Sahib, are the final and eternal Sikh guru, and at Vaisakhi they are carried reverently around the neighbourhood in a procession, preceded by the Panj Pyare. The Sikh congregation (the Sangat) follows them. Free food is always offered in the Gurdwara, although those taking it are expected to offer some service in return. During the Vaisakhi procession, many Sikhs offer food to those taking part on the route. The procession in these pictures started from the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Alice Way, Hounslow, and went thorugh the centre of the town and out to the Gurdwara in Montague Road, where it was met by the congregation there, before returning to its starting point.
Size: 5040px × 3374px
Location: Hounslow, Middx, England, UK
Photo credit: © Peter Marshall / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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