According to Express and Star "Centuries of tradition were marked in a blaze of bright orange when members of the Sikh community paraded through the streets of the Black Country.Around 2,000 people, dressed in orange clothing, sang hymns and played instruments as they took part in the annual Vaisakhi procession between Wednesfield and Willenhall yesterday.
The celebration commemorated the anniversary of the initiation of the first five members of the brotherhood of the Khalsa on April 13, 1699 – one of the most significant dates in Sikh history as well as ushering in spring.
The celebrations began at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Well Lane, Wednesfield, at 10 am and finished at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara on Walsall Road, Willenhall, about three miles away, at 1:30 pm.
The march is annually organised by members from both temples. Dignitaries at the celebratory event included councilor for Wednesfield South, Bhupinder Singh Gakhal.
Each year, the route is alternated with it this year starting at Wednesfield and finishing in Willenhall.
As is tradition, a drummer set the beat at the front of the procession, followed by sword bearers, Khalsa flag bearers and an orange-swathed float carrying the Sikh holy book, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Five baptized Sikhs dressed in traditional dress led the way behind a group of sweepers clearing the road for their bare feet.
Roads were closed along the route as people walked through the streets or traveled on floats for the huge parade."
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