London, United Kingdom – Half a million British-Sikhs are preparing to mark the Vaisakhi festival under coronavirus lockdown restrictions for the second year running.
Vaisakhi, which falls on Tuesday, celebrates the Punjabi new year and the day when Sikhism began as a collective faith.
It marks the foundation of the Khalsa – the brotherhood of the Sikh faith – by the 10th master, Guru Gobind Singh, in April 1699.
The Khalsa was created with the Panj Pyare – the five beloved ones – each one embodying the virtues of compassion, righteousness, courage, commitment and oneness.
Despite continuing physical distancing measures, many are determined to celebrate the religious tradition safely.