A group of Sikhs threw open the doors of their temple and invited members of the community inside to celebrate the holiest day of their calendar.

Members of Gurdwara Sikh Sangat in Francis Road, Leyton celebrated Vaisakhi on Saturday, April 14 and were joined by local politicians and families.

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The three-day festival marks the birth of the Khalsa, also known as Vaisakhi, and commemorates the ceremony in 1699 when the 10th Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj, created the order of the Khalsa.

Worshippers at the temple, which was established in 1979, took part in a spiritual ceremony which involved washing their flag, the Nishan Sahib, with milk and water.

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It was then raised from the ground as a symbol of revolution to free Sikhs from oppression.

Harvinder Rattan, a trustee of the Gurdwara, said: “It was a success. About 150 men, women and children of all ages including people from other faiths turned up.

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“It was important for us to make sure that we celebrate both our faith and our identity with our community here in Waltham Forest.

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“After the celebrations we all sat down to share a meal together which was cooked by community volunteers.”

In the Indian state of Punjab, Vaisakhi is also seen as a celebration of harvest and vegetation.

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Guests included Cllr Chris Robbins, Cllr Anna Mbachu, Cllr Khevyn Limbajee and Wendy Smith, chairman of Waltham Forest Faith Communities Forum.

Religions songs were sung and recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikhs’ holy book, were heard.

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