'Largest congregation ever' celebrate Vaisakhi at Maidenhead Gurdwara

The ‘largest congregation ever’ was seen the Gurdwara in Maidenhead on Sunday to celebrate the festival of Vaisakhi.

Vaisakhi is celebrated each April and is a significant cultural and religious festival for Sikhs and Hindus.

The festival commemorates the Foundation of the Khalsa (Pure One or Universal Brotherhood) by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.

Vaisakhi is also celebrated as a harvest festival, especially in the Punjab.

There was an ‘extraordinary outpouring of devotion and community spirit’ as more than 850 guests were welcomed to The Guru Nanak Sat Sang Sabha (GNSSS) Gurdwara in Maidenhead.

The festivities started on Friday morning and continued throughout the weekend. A continuous three-day recital of the Guru Granth Sahib also took place.

One of the highlights was the singing of Sikh history by the Dhadi Jatha, which was led by Giani Baldev Singh Blaggan from Amritsar.

A soulful Kirtan was also performed by the Hazoori Jatha Bhai Baldev Singh and Bhai Bahadur Singh.

Nirmal Singh Virdi also recited poetry for the congregation.

Throughout the day, free communal meals known as Langar were prepared and served by volunteers.

Royal Borough deputy mayor Cllr Mandy Brar and St Mary’s ward councillor Gurch Singh were also welcomed to the celebrations.

Dr Ravinder Singh Zandu, president of GNSSS Maidenhead spoke to the pair about needing a larger Gurdwara building to accommodate the ‘ever-growing congregation’.

During his address at the event, Dr Zandu highlighted the historical and spiritual significance of Vaisakhi.

Dr Zandu and the GNSSS Maidenhead committee thanked committee members, volunteers, families and congregation members, whose ‘tireless efforts and unwavering support made the event a resounding success’.

Dr Zandu added: “The selfless devotion of the entire GNSSS community is a shining example of unity, faith, and love in action.

“The Vaisakhi celebrations at GNSSS Maidenhead served not only as a vibrant expression of Sikh faith and culture but also as a powerful reminder of the Gurdwara’s growing role in the local community.

“As the congregation continues to grow, the call for a larger, more accommodating space is becoming increasingly urgent – a message clearly heard and supported by the community and visiting dignitaries alike.”