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The community comes together this weekend as the big Vaisakhi festival is celebrated. Vaisakhi, is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar. It is the Sikh New Years festival. Thousands of sikh and Hindus have been celebrating. First in Bradford on the 14th and 15th, which are the dates normally the festival is celebrated on. The aim of this festival is to show and share with the community what they are and how they celebrate Vaisakhi. All faiths are welcome to come and try cultured food and experience their religion. We are lucky to have the festival come to Leeds on the 21st of April. A procession will leave the Sikh temple on Chapeltown Road and arriving in Millennium Square at 2pm. Everyone has been welcomed to this event on Millennium Square which will involve cultural activities and delicious food.
The Sikh people followed the float, which stopped at a number of Sikh Temples in the area before ending up at Millennium square. The whole parade was filled with compassion and faith, the event seemed like a huge success, pulled off by a number of people. Photographers made sure it was all captured, police community workers escorted the parade to the city, and many more. It was a team effort of all cultures to help.
The festival started at The Sikh Temple on Chapeltown Road. Where the parade was lead by a car that carried a drum, that was constantly beat upon. Then a youth group performing with swords. This was then followed by a group of men and women with brushes making sure the roads were clean for the procession to follow. A line of five devout Sikhs carrying swords called the Panj Pyare or beloved ones, dressed in traditional attire lead the prayer float to which carries the Sri Guru.
This event was made clear that all are made welcome. as the parade went through the streets of Leeds, many of people walking past of in their houses came to watch and take photos, taking part in some way or another. This shows community regardless of faith.