On Sunday the 18^th April Sikhs in Walsall carried out a Nagar Kirtan through the local streets of Caldmore to celebrate Vaisakhi, the birth of the Khalsa.

The Nagar Kirtan is an annual procession of local Sikhs taking to the streets, singing holy hymns and celebrating Vaisakhi.

Vaisakhi celebrates and commemorates the establishment of the Khalsa (the brotherhood of pure Saint Soldiers) in 1699 by the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The Khalsa was established to take on the challenge and rise above the weakness of the common people; to be strong and fearless; to be prepared to face these challenges without reservation and without resorting to injustice.

The procession was led by the Panj Piare (the five beloved ones of the Guru) and followed by a colourfully decorated float carrying the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which are the holy scriptures regarded as the living Guru of The Sikhs.

Throughout the procession the congregation walked behind the float carrying Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the Panj Piare singing shabads (hymns praising God) whilst enjoying the glorious day.

Local people handed out free refreshments to encourage those in the procession along the way.

Gatka was performed at Guru Nanak Sikh Temple in Caldmore during the start and end of the Nagar Kirtan which entertained the congregation. Gatka is the traditional Sikh martial art dating back to the early 17th century, practiced by the Sikhs in Punjab, India to defend against invaders.

The occasion gave a perfect opportunity for the local community to rejoice in the happiness of Vaisakhi and connect to the word and teachings of the Sikh Gurus.

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