More than 2000 Sikh members from Melbourne took to the streets of Dandenong this Sunday, 10th April to mark annual celebrations of Khalsayee festival of Vaisakhi.
A huge religious procession was held from Dandenong Plaza at 9:30 am, through the streets of the surrounding area, to finish at Dandenong park at 4pm.
The sound of drums filled the streets of Dandenong on Sunday as thousands of devout Sikhs took part in one of Melbourne’s biggest annual Nagar kirtan.
Traditional orange flags and outfits of the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan brought a splash of colour to a grey Sunday afternoon in Melbourne.
Massive crowds gathered to watch a colourful Sikh parade in Dandenong.
The procession commemorated the anniversary of the initiation of the first five members of the brotherhood of the Khalsa on April 13, 1699 – one of the most significant dates in Sikh history – as well as ushering in the spring.
Posted by SinghStation on Sunday, 10 April 2016
There was plenty of free free food to all and singing hymns, with displays of gatka (Sikh martial-arts) as part of the celebrations.
At the Dandenong park, a stage was setup, where Dhadi Jatha of Budhanwal walian bibian performed and sang dhadhi vaars.
Cr Matthew Kirwan representing the Mayor of Dandenong attended the procession as well.
A sea of faces at Dandenong Park just prior to the beginning of the speeches at Vaisakhi 2016 https://t.co/j9jm6kHLWx
— Cr Matthew Kirwan (@crmkirwan) April 10, 2016
Other dignitaries who participated in the event included, Luke Donnellan, MLA Minister for Roads and Road safety Member for Narre Warren North, Gabrielle Williams MLA Member for Dandenong Parliamentary secretary for carers and volunteers, Gary Spencer candidate for Isaacs, Helen Kruger,Liberal candidate for Bruce and congratulated Sikh community her best wishes.and members for Inter faith representing various faiths.
CLICK HERE to see Event Pictures
Dignitaries present at the Nagar Keertan also included, Cr Matthew Kirwan representing the Mayor of Dandenong, Luke Donnellan MLA Minister for Roads and Road safety Member for Narre Warren North, Gabrielle Williams MLA Member for Dandenong Parliamentary secretary for carers and volunteers, Gary Spencer candidate for Isaacs, and menbers for Inter faith representing various faiths.
Balwant Singh Jandu
Event co-ordinator
Thanks Balwant ji, News is updated now. Regards