Thousands celebrate Vaisakhi in Walsall and Wolverhampton - PICTURES
Thousands of Sikh worshippers celebrated Vaisakhi with colourful processions through Walsall town centre and Wolverhampton.
Between 4,000 to 5,000 people were expected to take part in the procession marking the religious festival which dates back hundreds of years.
Worshippers turned the streets bright orange as they made their way from the Guru Nanak Gurdwara Sahib Walsall temple, on West Bromwich Street, to Nanaksar Gurdwara temple, on Wellington Street, and Pleck and Darbar Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji temple, on Rollingmill Street.
Drummers led the procession, as is tradition, and they were followed by sword bearers, Khalsa flag bearers and a float carrying the Sikh holy book, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Meanwhile orange-clad crowds were also out in force in Blakenhall, Wolverhampton, where the parade began at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara.
Amardeep Mahal, aged 25, who helped to organise the Walsall procession, said the day was about 'getting the community together and celebrating the birth of the Khalsa'.
She added: "It is also to converse the main concepts of Sikhism. Everyone is welcome to take part regardless of where they come from or who they are.
"The procession was really good. Lucky the weather held off too."
The celebration marks the anniversary of the initiation of the first five members of the brotherhood of the Khalsa on April 13, 1699 – one of the most significant dates in Sikh history – as well as ushering in spring.
The colours of Vaisakhi are traditionally orange and yellow and represent the spirit of rebirth and sacrifice of the Khalsa, as well as joy and celebration.
The Vaisakhi Festival usually falls on April 13 or 14.
