The University of Liverpool’s cultural festival, 360 Degrees, is to mark the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi – a celebration of food harvest.
Led by the University’s Sikh Society, the event is open to all faiths and is focused on the sharing of food, sweets, and performances of Sikh culture and spirituality.
Speakers from across India
World renowned speakers from across India, including those from Delhi and Amritsar, will travel to Liverpool to perform for visitors at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara temple in the city. Guests will also be able to visit stalls and listen to short talks about the Sikh faith.
Angad Singh, Head of the Liverpool Sikh Society and student at the University’s School of Medicine, said: “Vaisakhi is one of the most important events in the Sikh calendar and is celebrated throughout the world as the birthday of the Khalsa, the day a guru gave Sikhs their identity. This included the five symbols of faith that a Sikh carries on their person at all times.
“The aim of the symbols is to make a person stand out in a crowd as a reliable individual that anyone can turn to in a time of need.”
To celebrate the day, a communal meal is prepared for all those who visit the temple, where vegetarian food is served to represent equality in the community.
Angad said: “We are excited to be able to share this important festival with the people of Liverpool and enjoy some good food, entertainment and celebrations.
People from all backgrounds welcome
“The Sikh temple welcomes people from all religious and non-religious backgrounds as we are dedicated to sharing all ways of thinking and learning. In support of the University’s year-long celebration of world cultures, we hope that people from across the city can join us for this special day.”
The event, Vaisakhi Kirtan Darbar, is free and will take place on Sunday, 21st April from 1.30pm to 7.30pm on a drop-in basis at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara temple, Wellington Avenue, Liverpool.
