Vaisakhi Celebrations at The Forward Trust

The festival is observed in different ways across regions: in West Bengal and Bangladesh as Pohela Boishakh, in Tamil Nadu as Puthandu, and in Kerala as Vishu. In Buddhism, it also aligns with Buddha Purnima, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha.

In Punjab, and within Sikhism, Vaisakhi holds deep spiritual significance.

Punjabi communities traditionally celebrate with food, music and dance, and this event brought all those elements together. The day began with a prayer (Mul Mantra), followed by an introduction to the meaning and history of Vaisakhi.

A key moment in Sikh history was shared: in 1699, the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, stood before a congregation at a Vaisakhi gathering and called for individuals willing to demonstrate unwavering faith. Five people stepped forward, later known as the “Five Beloved Ones.” They were baptised and given the Five Ks, articles of faith that remain central to Sikh identity today.

The Five Ks, Kara, Kanga, Kachera, Kesh and Kirpan, serve as daily reminders of Sikh teachings and values.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji also challenged the caste system, promoting equality by giving all men the name Singh (Lion) and all women the name Kaur (Princess). This marked the formation of a new collective identity rooted in belief in one God and a commitment to the wellbeing of all humanity: “Sarbat da Bhalla.”

The name Punjab itself comes from “Panj Ab,” meaning “Five Rivers,” reflecting the region’s geography and its reputation as the breadbasket of India.

These values of generosity, faith and fearlessness have endured for over 500 years and continue to resonate globally, with Punjabi now one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.

Alongside the learning, the event offered a wide range of activities, food and entertainment. Attendees enjoyed traditional dishes including samosas, pakoras, jalebi and matri, along with chai provided by Mixala Chai.

Interactive activities included bhangra dancing, dhol playing, turban tying, dressing in traditional attire and henna painting, creating an engaging and immersive cultural experience.

Reflecting The Forward Trust’s commitment to recovery and ensuring no one is left behind, the event also featured powerful talks from two guest speakers. Harj Gahley shared his personal experience of gambling harm, while Nisha Chandra, a police officer and detective who is now eight years sober, spoke about the challenges of appearing “functional” and the importance of looking beyond the phrase “I am fine.”

Both speakers highlighted how, within some cultural and generational contexts, difficult topics such as addiction can remain taboo, making it harder for individuals to seek help and speak openly about their struggles.

Their contributions also reflected another core Sikh principle: Sewa, or selfless service: the act of giving without expectation of reward. It was particularly meaningful to hear from individuals who have turned their personal challenges into a commitment to helping others.

This year’s Vaisakhi celebration also marked several firsts for the Race ERG:

• Colleagues from across Edinburgh House were invited to participate, with promotion through Workspace.

• External guests and partners joined the celebrations.

• The event was delivered in a short timeframe and on a modest budget, demonstrating the power of collaboration and a “many hands make light work” approach.

Sid Singh, who recently joined Stephen Anderson as an ERG Lead, described the event as an opportunity to celebrate culture and raise awareness.

The Forward Trust continues to provide a welcoming space for people to connect, learn and build community. Whether you’re looking to join an existing ERG or start your own, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. At the very least, you might discover something new and meet new people along the way.