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Vaisakhi is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar.

And with a sizeable Sikh population in Birmingham and the rest of the West Midlands, it’s a big event for the city too.

Brum hosts the second largest Vaisakhi celebrations in the UK.

So what can we expect?

What is Vaisakhi and when is it celebrated?

Vaisakhi is the start of the Sikh new year and also the harvest festival in the Punjab region. It’s on April 13 each year.

It was also on this day that the Khalsa was founded back in 1699.

Sikhism itself had been founded earlier, in 1469, but the Sikhs began to suffer religious persecution in the 17th century, including the execution of spiritual leaders.

In response to that, a meeting was called on the day of Vaisakhi in 1699 and the order of the Khalsa was set up - led by the Five Beloved Ones - to make a stand against oppression.

Followers of Sikhism are initiated into the order with a baptism in which men take the title Singh (meaning lion) and women the title Kaur (princess).

When and where are the Vaisakhi celebrations in Birmingham?

Birmingham’s public celebrations, known as Vaisakhi in the Park, take place on a weekend near to the annual date of Vaisakhi, although not on the day itself.

In 2016, the event is on Sunday, April 24. Organisers say 100,000 people are expected to attend.

There are two street processions - one from Hockley and one from Smethwick - which both head towards the festival site in Handsworth Park .

Tell me more about the processions

The processions are led by five Sikhs in ceremonial dress representing the Beloved Ones and include Dohl drummers, performers of Gatka (a Sikh martial art) and floats carrying women and spiritual leaders who are chanting prayers and singing hymns.

Hundreds of people walk behind and line the streets, many of them chanting and singing.

The Birmingham procession assembles at Gurdwara Ramgharhia in Graham Street, Hockley, at 9.30am and sets off at 11.30am. It arrives at the park at 1pm.

The other procession assembles at the Gurdwara Baba Sang in St Paul’s Road, Smethwick, at 9am and sets off at 11am, arriving at the park at 2pm.

Watch the procession leaving Smethwick in 2015:

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Does this mean road closures?

Yes, it does. In order for the processions to pass through the area safely, there are road closures along the routes.

More:

What time are the celebrations on? What happens in the park?

The event in the park runs from 11am to 6.30pm and will include Sikh cultural activities, a children’s play area, arts and crafts exhibitions, funfair, market stalls, sports, and live entertainment on the bandstand stage.

There will be a darbar (area for worship) and a langar (marquee offering free food). Alcohol is not allowed on the site, which is also a no-smoking area.

Is it open to anyone or just Sikhs?

The Vaisakhi celebrations in Birmingham are open to all members of the community.

(Image: Rob Abdul)

Do I have to pay an entrance fee?

No, it’s free. There’s no charge for admission - or for the food.

So how is it all funded?

The Vaisakhi celebration is organised and funded by the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Birmingham (CSGB) with the help of a number of sponsors.

Birmingham City Council no longer gives grants to any community events and the entire cost of the day is paid for by donations from businesses and members of the community.

This is a not-for-profit community event. Headline sponsors for the 2016 event are Lebara and MoneyGram.

Is anything else going on for Vaisakhi?

This year is the 25th anniversary of the CSGB and so for 2016 there will be a Simran in the Park on Friday, April 22, and Saturday, April 23, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm each day.

Simran means meditation, a remembrance of God by recital of his name.