PICTURE GALLERY: Hundreds celebrate Sikh festival

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A festival of faith attracted hundreds of Sikhs to Maidenhead at the weekend to celebrate Vaisakhi.

The three-day event is one of the largest in the Sikh calendar and marks the moment when the Sikh brotherhood was formed in 1699, called the Khalsa. It also marks the beginning of the Sikh new year.

Hundreds of worshippers from across the Royal Borough and beyond dressed in bright coloured clothing for the annual celebration which was held at the Guru Nanak Sat Sang Sabha Temple in Rutland Road.

It is a joyous time for Sikhs to come together and spend time with family and friends. The three-day event is a huge celebration with prayer, dance, songs and food.

"In many ways this is like Christmas for us," said Karnail Pannu, president of the temple. "The little ones put on their best clothing and sometimes gifts are exchanged."

After mass worshippers went outside and took part in the ritual changing of the magnificent orange flag pole which stands tall over Rutland Road.

Click here to see a video of the event.