Kids Corner

Current Events

Sikh-Britons Celebrate Bhagat Ravidas Anniversary

DAVID W. OWEN

 

 

 





Hundreds of Sikhs marched through the streets of Leicester (United Kingdom) to celebrate the 639th birthday of an important religious figure in their faith.

As elsewhere around the world, Sikhs and members of other communities have gathered at the Bhagat Ravidas Gurdwara on Harrison Road, Belgrave, to mark the two-day Bhagat Ravidas Festival.

It remembers Ravidas Ji who is the author of 41 verses in Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Scripture.

The gurdwara was the start and finishing point today for a colourful parade accompanied by music and hymns along Melton Road, Belgrave Road and Gypsy Lane.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, 31, of Catherine Street, joined the occasion with his family.

He said: "It's an important historic religious festival in the Punjab which is celebrated by both Sikh and Hindu communities.

"Ravidas was from a very poor family and devoted his life to fighting against prejudice based on caste and class.

"His message is one of justice and equality, and he promoted education for poor people."

Gurpreet added: "He believed God did not see any difference between poor and rich people, and it's a message that is just as important here in Leicester today.

"It's also a great occasion for families and friends to come together and catch up."

Smita Dattani, of Moores Road, Belgrave, said: "It's a very important festival in the Sikh religious calendar and there is a lovely, happy atmosphere today.

"It's also an important occasion for the community in Leicester."

Up to 2,000 people joined the procession or lined the streets to watch the spectacle.

Following the parade, the hymns and music continued at the gurdwara where the langar -- the Sikh free kitchen -- served food and refreshments to all.

Sikhs from as far afield as France, Belgium and Italy will arrive in Leicester tomorrow to participate in the spiritual service as part of the festival.

Jasbir Ram Heer, general secretary of the gurdwara, said: "People have also travelled from Birmingham, Derby and Bradford to take part.

"It's a very colourful and joyous event and a real celebration for all involved."


[Courtesy: Leicester Mercury. Edited for sikhchic.com]
March 15, 2016
 

Conversation about this article

Comment on "Sikh-Britons Celebrate Bhagat Ravidas Anniversary"









To help us distinguish between comments submitted by individuals and those automatically entered by software robots, please complete the following.

Please note: your email address will not be shown on the site, this is for contact and follow-up purposes only. All information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Sikhchic reserves the right to edit or remove content at any time.