WGS joins 30,000 in celebrating Sikh Festival

WGS joins 30,000 in celebrating Sikh Festival

Wolverhampton Grammar School brought the spirit of community and cultural pride to the Wolverhampton Vaisakhi Mela in West Park on Sunday 5^th May. Students and staff joined over 30,000 people from all backgrounds to celebrate the Sikh festival marking the founding of the Khalsa in 1699.

Amongst the action was Mrs Keeley, Mrs Worsey, Harjai (Year 9), Gurjot (Year 9), Amrit (Year 6), Aurora (Year 6), Ava (Year 1) and Grayson (Reception) who looked after the WGS stall alongside hundreds of stalls operated by local organisations. Throughout the day, several religious leaders and musicians took to the stage to contribute to the celebrations. Harjai, Amrit and Gurjot also joined Dhol Frequency Academy on stage and during the parade for high-energy Dhol drumming performances.

Harjai and Gurjot even had the special honour of delivering a message on behalf of WGS, in both English and Punjabi:

“Hello everyone! It's amazing to see all of you gathered here today to celebrate Vaisakhi, the festival that marks the New Year and the harvest season. I am here celebrating with teachers and other students from Wolverhampton Grammar School.

Vaisakhi is such a special time for Sikhs all around the world. It's a time for us to come together as a community, to celebrate our culture, our traditions, and our faith. It's a time to reflect on the values that are important to us, like equality, generosity, and love for all. These are values that are held very dear at Wolverhampton Grammar School.

One of the things I love most about Vaisakhi is the sense of togetherness it brings. Whether we're singing, dancing, or enjoying delicious food together, there's a feeling of joy and unity that fills the air. It reminds us that no matter where we come from or what our backgrounds are, we are all connected as one big family.

As we gather here today, let's not only celebrate the harvest and the New Year, but also reflect on the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the other Sikh Gurus. Let's remember their messages of compassion, service, and standing up for what is right. Let's strive to live our lives in a way that honours those teachings and makes the world a better place for everyone.

So as we continue to enjoy this special day, let's keep the spirit of Vaisakhi alive in our hearts throughout the year. Let's spread love, kindness, and positivity wherever we go, and let's continue to build a world where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Please do come along to our stall and have a chat with us about Wolverhampton Grammar School and the wonderful opportunities we can offer young people within the community.

Thank you all for being here, and from everyone at Wolverhampton Grammar School, Happy Vaisakhi!"

A huge thank you to all our students, staff and WGS families who supported the school’s participation in the Vaisakhi Mela which was a resounding success. The WGS community is proud to have played a part in such a vibrant and meaningful celebration of culture and community.