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Thousands flock to park for Vaisakhi celebrations

Laura May McMullen
BBC Midlands Today
A large group of people in a park wearing colourful South Asian clothing, including saris, are standing and facing a large stand in the background. To the right of the picture is a large white tent.
A close up of a large stage with a large gold monument in the centre. To the left of it a group of men in orange traditional South Asian clothing are sitting cross-legged on the stage. In the foreground, a group of people wearing colourful saris are looking towards the stage.
Organisers say it is the only free open-air event of its kind outside of India
People from across the country travelled to Smethwick for the occasion

Thousands of people gathered in a Black Country park for an event that has been described as the UK's largest Vaisakhi celebration.

The open-air event took place in Smethwick's Victoria Park on Sunday as part of a celebration of Sikh heritage and community spirit.

In a historic first, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the central holy scripture of Sikhism, was transported from Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick in a golden palki - a palanquin carried by devotees - marking a significant moment for the event.

A host of children's activities were available, and a free vegetarian meal was offered to attendees.

A group of more than 100 people dressed in traditional south Asian attire. The people closest to the camera are seated on a white sheet on the ground while people are standing in the background.
The event has been described as the UK's biggest Vaisakhi celebration

Gurinder Kaur Athwal, the organiser, said: "This is a very special day for the Sikh community all over the world, not just in the UK.

"We've got the weather for it, the people are amazing, there is food for everyone, we have the stalls out and everyone is having a fantastic time celebrating this day with us."

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