Vaisakhi celebrations took place in Gravesham on Saturday 18th April to mark the founding of the Sikh faith as well as the beginning of the harvest year, and are traditionally celebrated in India with a procession from the local Gurdwara and through the surrounding villages.

Organised by Gurdwara Management Committee, the local procession comprising of thousands of attendees began from Gravesend Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara and made its way through the town centre. The procession featured traditional music as well as the giving out of free food and drinks to onlookers and attendees alike in the spirit of Sewa (selfless service), one of the main pillars of the Sikh faith.

Kent Equality Cohesion Council was honoured that its CEO Gurvinder Sandher MBE DL was able to attend in his capacity as Deputy Lieutenant, representing the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Colgrain. He commented,
“Vaisakhi is wonderful celebration that displays the amazing, rich diversity of North Kent and the amazing contributions the Sikh community have made to the fabric of society in the area. Vaisakhi is not just a celebration for those of the Sikh faith, rather it’s an opportunity for everyone from all walks of life to come together in the spirit of unity, celebration and equality. I am honoured beyond words to haven been able to attend not just as a member of the Sikh faith but also as the first Sikh Deputy Lieutenant in Kent. It is particularly heart-warming to see everyone together celebrating as one. I hold great faith that the unity on display during the celebrations is a true reflection of British society.”