Thousands of Sikhs have taken to the streets of Birmingham and Sandwell today to celebrate Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan, a major event marking the founding of the Sikh community. Nearly 60 roads are closed to allow participants to safely pass through the city until 6pm this evening (Sunday, April 26).
Celebrations Underway
The festivities began at 9:30am this morning when thousands gathered at the Gurdwara Babe Ke in Hockley, Birmingham. By 10:20am, the procession had arrived at the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha in Handsworth. The event commemorates the creation of the Khalsa Panth in the 17th century.
Procession Route
The Nagar Kirtan will continue through several key locations. At 11am, the procession will reach the Shri Guru Ravidass, followed by a stop at the Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh Ji Shaheed at 11:40am. The route then proceeds to Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Smethwick at 1:15pm, concluding at the Gurdwara Baba Singh Ji at 2:15pm. More than 10,000 people are expected to participate in this year's event, with rolling road closures in place to ensure safety.
Significance of the Event
Nindi Singh, from the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras Birmingham and Sandwell, which organizes the annual Nagar Kirtan, explained the importance of the celebration. "Nagar Kirtan marks the creation of the Khalsa Panth (the community of initiated Sikhs) in 1699 in Anandpur Sahib Punjab by the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji," he said. "It set the precedent of the Amrit Sanchar ceremony - initiation ceremony. It is a time of great celebration and reflection on the creation of the Khalsa Panth and encourages all to consider taking Amrit and becoming initiated into the Khalsa Panth. It’s a time for us to renew our loyalty to the Guru and the Gurus' teachings."
Road Closures and Travel Disruptions
Road closures are in place across Birmingham and Smethwick. In Birmingham, affected roads include A41 Soho Road, A41 Soho Hill, Hockley Circus Roundabout onto the A41 northbound, Naden Road, Hampstead Road, Park Avenue, Soho Avenue, Piers Road, Whitehall Road, Ivy Road, Thornhill Road, Holliday Road, Waverhill Road, Stratford Road, and Ninveh Road. Bus services that may be delayed or diverted include the 16, 16A, 74, 101, 11A, and 11C.
In Smethwick, road closures affect Grove Lane, Car park Bank of Scotland, Tara Lane, Linwood Road, Boulton Road, Murdock Road, Babington Road, Alfred Road, Queens Head Road, Rookery Road, Booth Street, Mount Road, Brewery Road, Wad Street, Chapel Street, Crocketts Road, Anne Road, Cornwall Road, Foundry Lane, Rabone Park, Steel Bright Road, Soho Road, Rolfe Street, Engine Street, Bridge Street North, Bridge Street South, Rolfe Street at the intersection with New Street, Hill Street, Rabone Lane, A457 Tollhouse Way, A4030 High Street, B4169 High Street, St Paul’s Road, Fenton Street, Trinity Street, Stony Lane, Dibble Road, Sabell Road, White Road, St Albans Road, Bowden Road, Chatwin Street, Bertram Road, Grove Lane, Boulton Road, Murdock Road, Rookery Road, Sycamore Road, Booth Street, Mount Road, Rolfe Street, and Foundry Road. These closures are expected between 11am and 2:30pm. Buses including the 54A, 80, 87, and 89 may experience delays.
