Sikh parade attracts 20,000 worshippers

More than 20,000 worshippers took part in a religious procession to celebrate the birthday of the Sikh founding father Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Bright sunshine and dry weather helped to swell the crowds at the annual walk from West Bromwich to Smethwick held yesterday. The parade, which is one of the biggest to take place in the West, is called a Nagar Kirtan.

Among the participants was Kulbant Singh, aged 54, of Oak Road, West Bromwich, and his family.

"It brings everybody together, Sikhs and non-Sikhs," he said.

"It is about everybody praying and thinking about God. It's also good to see people taking part and keeping up the traditions.

"There is free food and fruit and cups of tea being served.

"Sikhism is all about peace, love and respect for others. We also believe there is only one God," the Sandwell college lecturer added.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the first of the ten gurus and was born in 1469.

The parade followed a route from the Guru Har Rai Gurdwara, in High Street, West Bromwich, to the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in High Street, Smethwick. It lasted more than three hours.

Gurinder Josan, a trustee of the Smethwick temple, said: "It has gone really well, the people have enjoyed themselves, and the weather has been fantastic.

"A lot more people have turned up than in previous years.

"Lots of families came out, and we have had a really excellent day.

"We're still estimating the number, but so far there seems to be at least 20,000 people."

The Nagar Kirtan was jointly organised by the eight Gurdwaras in Sandwell.

It also featured open-air prayers and drumming.