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Thousands fill city streets for Vaisakhi celebrations

Lucy ThorneSouth
News imagePA Media Five Sikh men in navy blue turbans and bright yellow clothes hold swords aloft as part of Vaisakhi celebrations. They have flower garlands around their necks.PA Media
News imagePA Media A woman in traditional orange dress, and a man in navy blue, sweep the road ahead of the Nagar Kirtan. Behind them are five men in the bright yellow outfits of the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) and a float.PA Media
The Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones) led the Nagar Kirtan procession through Southampton's streets
People swept the road in front of the Panj Pyare

Thousands of people lined the streets of Southampton earlier to celebrate Vaisakhi.

The colourful festival is one of the most important events in the Sikh calendar and promotes equality and unity.

The vibrant Nagar Kirtan procession wove through the city streets, after starting at Gurwarda Siri Guru Ravidass Sabha in Northumberland Road.

The annual event, held in April, celebrates the creation of the Khalsa community (the pure ones), which embodies courage and commitment to Sikhism.

It also celebrates the Sikh new year.

The procession, which saw roads closed across the city, is led by the Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones) and the event combines prayer, music and seva (selfless acts).

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