Sandwell Gurdwara youngsters get creative for Vaisakhi
Young members of a Sandwell Gurdwara have been getting creative to celebrate a major Sikh festival.
Vaisakhi commemorates the formation of the Khalsa panth of warriors under Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 and is usually marked by gatherings to socialise and eat traditional food.
The event also sees Gurdwaras decorated in orange and blue, the traditional colours of Sikhism, and a procession through the streets is held.
Social gathering restrictions imposed by the government to stop the spread of COVID-19 meant Gurdwaras such as the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Smethwick could not the traditional celebrations for Vaisakhi.
In response, the Gurdwara invited some of the young members of the community to do drawings, paintings and other ways of being creative to celebrate the event.
The result of this were some very creative efforts by children aged between five and 10 with a range of themes on display.
These included a tribute to the five volunteers who were baptised as Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, colourful drawings of the Sikh symbol and vivid use of colours to create flags and other tributes.
Jatinder Singh, a committee member at the Gurdwara, spoke about the artwork and praised the efforts of the children.
He said: "The idea for the artwork was agreed by Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick’s management committee as part of the Gurdwara continuity plan during the coronavirus pandemic.
"It was seen as a way to keep the congregation and children engaged with the Gurdwara and its activities.
"The artwork shows us that the children remain resolute and Vaisakhi was celebrated with the same faith and fervour as always.
"Their efforts and enthusiasm bring puts a smile on our faces during this difficult period."
All of the drawings and other artworks submitted to the Gurdwara are available to view on the Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick Facebook page at facebook.com/GNGSmethwick/
