SOUTHAMPTON will celebrate the holiest day of the Sikh calendar today.
The 30th Southampton Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan will be held, celebrating the birth of the Sikh order, which formed in 1699, and is the day when the tenth guru Khalse created the Sikh religion.
Here is your guide to the day of celebrations in Southampton.
What will be happening?
There will be a performance of the Sikh national anthem, Indian drummers and a procession. Free food will also be served at all Gurdwaras (Sikh place of worship).
The roads in the area will be closed to allow the procession to take place.
Where will it take place?
The celebrations will begin at the Southampton Civic Centre, and the procession will be held in and around the city centre.
What is the schedule for the day?
Here is a schedule for the day on Sunday:
9.45am - arrival of guests
9.50am - Dholes demonstration (Indian drummers)
10am - Welcome from the Council of Southampton Gurdwara's (COSG) representatives
10.05am - Mayor of Southampton
10.10am - Sikh national anthem
10.15am - Mayor escorted to flagpole
10.25am - Raising of the Nishan Sahib (Sikh triangular flag) by Mayor of Southampton
10.30am - Dholes/Gatka (Indian martial art) demonstration
10.50am - Closing speech from COSG representatives
12.15pm - Announcements/ speeches from Gurdwara Siri Guru Ravidass Sabha
12.45pm - 5 beloved ones will escort Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to lead the Vaisakhi procession from SSG
1pm - Start of procession
4pm - End of procession
What roads will be closed?
The procession will run as follows:
Start from Gurdwara Siri Guru Ravidass Sabha on Northumberland Road, Derby Road, Northbrook Road, Argyle Road, Brintons Road, St Mary's Road, Charlotte Place Roundabout, Brunswick Road, London Road, The Avenue, Lodge Road, Bevois Hill, Bevois Valley Road, Onslow Road, Derby Road and will conclude at Northumberland Road.
Who can take part in the procession?
Anyone can take part in the procession, but organisers have made a few requests.
1. All children are to be accompanied by an appropriate adult whilst attending the festival.
2. Children under 10 must collect and wear a band from the Gurdwara Campus.
3. Participants heads must be covered at all times.
4. Walk in a line of no more than 6 people.
5. Do not consume any form of tobacco or alcohol as a sign of respect.
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