 |  | Report and photographs by Amrit Cheema, site user
Over four months of preparation went into the most significant day of the year for Sikhs in Coventry and Warwickshire, on 25 April 2004.
|  | Making fresh flower garlands for the float |
The main part of the celebrations of the Sikh new year of Vaisakhi (the birth of Sikhism), is a procession through the streets of Coventry.
I went to the Guru Nanak Parkash Temple the night before the procession, where preparations were being made and the atmosphere was buzzing.
With one of the chief organisers, Mr Sucha Singh Gill, I viewed preparations for the float designed to carry the Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Sikh Holy Book).
I walked into a room full of Sikh women singing prayers, whilst putting together garlands of fresh flowers to decorate the float.
Excitement in the streets | |
|  | Thousands of people in the procession |
As I arrived on the morning of the procession, the roads were full of Sikh men, women, and children ready for the procession to start and I struggled through the crowd to get a good view.
The Panj Pyare (Five beloved Sikhs) were getting into position at the front of the procession.
The sky was filled with the colours of Khalsa as hundreds of orange and blue balloons were released to mark the start of the procession; this was followed by the beat of the dhol drums.
Click on the images link below to have a look at a gallery of photographs from Vaisakhi 2004.
|  | Great vibes all around |
I walked along with thousands of Sikhs through the streets of Coventry visiting all the temples on the route, and we were greeted with ‘food glorious food’ and drinks from residents and volunteers along the way.
The Jalebi’s (Indian sweets) were ‘class’ and there was no end to Samosas, Pakoras, and cups of tea. Approximately 20,000 meals were prepared, which guaranteed that nobody went home hungry!
Maninder Singh from the crowd summed up the atmosphere, saying: “What a beautiful day, today is such a good day for the Sikh community.”
As the procession neared Sri Guru Singh Sabha Temple, I jumped onto the back of a parked pick-up truck to take some photos, and the owner was a Sikh gentlemen who said: “No problems child, this is my truck take as many photos as you want.”
|  | Sweeping the roads agead of the procession |
To me, Sikhism was portrayed with a positive vibe at this long-awaited event.
It was a day of love, unity and strength between Sikhs and across communities; with the support of Coventry City Council, and West Midlands Police.
Everything was organised to a 'T' (rare for Indian occasions!) all in all, it was a peaceful portrayal of Sikh culture and religion.
I was so absorbed in the atmosphere that I didn’t get a chance to eat anything and was delighted to be welcomed with chips and beans prepared at the temple at the end of the ceremony.
Even though the procession had come to an end, celebrations of Vaisakhi continued with prayers late into the night at the temple.
|  | Bhangra dancers on stage |
For the first time, Vaisakhi is now also going to be celebrated in a party in Coventry City Centre.
The free event includes music, workshops and stalls in the Upper and Lower Precinct, from 10am - 5pm on Saturday, 1 May.
Find out all about it with this Vaisakhi in the City feature.
|  | Sikh ladies on a float in the Vaisakhi procession |
The celebrations continue with a sports mela at Coventy's Memorial Park on Sunday, 2 May 2004.
This has been orgaised by the Sikh Union, one of the oldest ethnic minority sports clubs.
With over 30 years experience, Sikh Union expect to make this the most successful event to date, with over 1000 participants in a variety of sports events.
These will include hockey, tug-of-war, football, volleyball, rounders, track events and more!
Free food will be provided in the best tradition of the Sikh faith, which is being donated by the local Sikh temples.
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