Thousands of Sikhs turn up for annual religious event despite snow

Despite the cold weather, and even some snow, thousands of Sikhs turned up for a colourful celebration in the Black Country on Sunday.

The Midlands joined worldwide celebrations to mark the 552nd birthday of the founder of Sikhism and the first guru - Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

The Nagar kirtan march started at the Guru Har Rai Gurdwara in West Bromwich and ended with confetti cannons at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Smethwick.

Mr Jatinder Singh, the event organiser and president of the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Smethwick, thanked the community and volunteers for their support in making the event happen.

He said: "Sandwell's celebrations have always been a demonstration of community cohesion in practice."

Mr Singh said: "The organisers continue to engage with people of all faiths and background of Sandwell to ensure peace, harmony, and unity for all.

"The whole ethos of the event is about promoting community and family spirit, a sense of unity, sharing, interfaith and cohesiveness; something very much needed at this time," he added.

Who is Guru Nanak Dev Ji?

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the founder of the Sikh Nation.

He was born in 1469 in a village called Talwandi, now called Nankana Sahib and located in present-day Pakistan.

During his lifetime, Guru Nanak Dev Ji travelled thousands of miles spreading his teachings.

He taught there is only one God, and that everyone is equal, regardless of gender, race, religion, caste or wealth.