Yesterday was the day the Gravesend Sikh community celebrated the festival of Vaisakhi with a Nagar Kirtan, which is a religious parade where we take the holy book around the town. Thousands of people follow the parade, and at the back there are trailers filled with adults and children from various clubs and associations, like the Punjabi School, sports clubs, and my Kid’s Bhangra and Drum class!
The last few years I have been either walking, or sitting with them on their trailer, and this year was no different. It was a glorious day, and we had great fun.
The end of the parade comes with prayers, and the Gurdwara set up a fair in their sports ground where there were stalls and rides, a stage with religious entertainment, including a famous Bhangra and religious singer, Sukhshinder Shinda.
And it was great to see my niece in her uniform, promoting the police force, and encouraging youngsters to join the police as a worthwhile career!
And there was a large ‘Sikh’ wondering around too for some reason!
The Nagar Kirtan is famous for the amount of people who come here, but the other thing is the food. It is known as ‘Seva’ when local businesses serve food, drinks and snacks for free, as part of their donations to the temple, and there was plenty on the route of the parade, Pizza, pakoras and samosa, fresh jalebis and masala chai, chickpea curry and bhature, crisps, popcorn and sweets, along with drinks. Then at the playing field there were marquees set up by local catering countries for more delicious delicacies, like masala dosa, curry and rice, bread pakora, and pizza again! Oh, and cake!!!
We had great weather, it was a lovely day! Ok, so the kids may have been bouncing off walls and ceilings from a sugar high, but hey, it’s Vaisakhi!!!
In fact when I unpacked my bag, this was what I came home with…
I had to dress for the occasion… obviously!
And even Sonu Singh joined in (at home!).
But I Smile Anyway... 