Happy Vaisakhi People!

Ricochet J · 13 Apr 2008 at 14:59

Vaisakhi is a day celebrated by Sikhs to mark the birth of Khalsa. Vaisakhi actually falls on the 14 of April where the Nishan Sahib, or holy cloth if you like is changed and washed once a year.

Follwing this fetsival soon after (sometimes on the actual day of Vaisakhi but most times a week after Vaisakhi), a Nagar Kirtan (peaceful walk) takes place where Sikhs, or any faith of that matter join and walk singing hyms, doing sewa (giving to the poor, helping other out, good deeds), giving "free" lanagar (food).

Last year in East London I heard a number of around 10,000 people attended the Nagar Kirtan. Nagar Kirtan's happen everywhere in the UK, or the world for that matter!

Happy Vaisakhi people.

If you happen to know a Gurudwara (Sikh temple) near your area, pop in. Speak to someone and join in the Nagar Kirtan. It's good fun and very rewarding, and you don't even need to be Sikh to join! (And I promise, no one will try to convert you no matter your faith!)

Sikhism
Vaisakhi
Khalsa
Nagar Kirtan
Nishan Sahib

Spektor · 13 Apr 2008 at 15:58

Consider me educated!

Happy Vaisakhi

JBuk · 13 Apr 2008 at 16:00

Ricochet J said:
Vaisakhi actually falls on the 14 of April where the Nishan Sahib, or holy cloth if you like is changed and washed once a year.
]

your a day early then

Jaaay · 13 Apr 2008 at 16:01

Isnt langar the service provided in the Gurdwara, which includes the duties of preparing the food/handing out/washing etc. ?

Anyway

Happy Vaisakhi

Ricochet J · 13 Apr 2008 at 16:09

Yup! Langar is also provided on the street as you walk which is prepared in the Gurudwara and bought to the Nagar Kirtan to feed everyone!

Sankari · 13 Apr 2008 at 16:53

We watched a Vaisakhi procession in Handsworth a couple of years ago. Really good fun; lots of old geezers with amazing beards. :eek:

Rainmaker · 13 Apr 2008 at 19:02

Happy Vaisakhi

I always admired that community spirit amongst Sikhs, and the way they sit down for community meals to share lanagar with all. I hope that doesn't sound partronising. As a Buddhist I have great respect for Sikhs, and if we had a Gurudwara nearby I'd be happy to call in and say hello. But we don't lol

ps3ud0 · 13 Apr 2008 at 19:32

Happy 'early' Vaisakhi - had a few family friends around today and will be going to the Gurdwara tomorrow...

Ricochet J said:
If you happen to know a Gurudwara (Sikh temple) near your area, pop in. Speak to someone and join in the Nagar Kirtan. It's good fun and very rewarding, and you don't even need to be Sikh to join! (And I promise, no one will try to convert you no matter your faith!)

Yeah we dont let any riff-raff in our religion

In all seriousness - the more the merrier - its an important event for us, which we would be more than happy to share

ps3ud0

DarkShadow · 13 Apr 2008 at 19:37

Hope you guys a have a fun day

xen_ · 13 Apr 2008 at 21:23

Sounds nice

, Happy Vaisakhi everyone!

Ricochet J · 13 Apr 2008 at 22:15

JBuk said:
your a day early then

If this makes sense, historically it's today. Traditionally it's tomarrow!

Voltar · 13 Apr 2008 at 22:21

huzzah happy Vaikskhi!

Akira · 14 Apr 2008 at 00:59

Happy Vaisakhi. Thanks for the edumacation.

sunnysingh · 14 Apr 2008 at 02:08

happy vaisakhi 2 all
if u live local to birmigham there are 2 nagar keetan that end at handsworths park
1 starts at dasmesh temple in lozells at 10 and the other in smethwich at guru nanak temple also around 10
feel free 2 come along the more the merrier.
any more info i be happy to answer
peace out

Hamster · 14 Apr 2008 at 04:10

Happy Vaisakhi all!!

Mikoyan · 14 Apr 2008 at 09:37

happy vaisakhi to all, aye the Bham event will be great, pity I dont live thier no more

Cosimo · 14 Apr 2008 at 09:44

Happy Vaisakhi