Victoria Park

Vaisakhi Mela at Victoria Park, Smethwick Yesterday, our family had the immense blessing of attending the Vaisakhi Mela at Victoria Park, Smethwick — and what a spiritually uplifting experience it was. This was our first ever visit to such a religious festival as a family, and it left us deeply moved and inspired. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the divine darshan of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, placed with full reverence under a beautifully adorned canopy, echoing the grace and aura of the Golden Darbar Sahib in Amritsar. The park was transformed into a sacred space, with the continuous recitation of Gurbani filling the air. It genuinely felt like a slice of Harmandir Sahib had been brought to Birmingham — the stillness, the serenity, and the unshakeable presence of Guru Maharaj Ji was something words can hardly do justice to. 🙏 Seeing families of all backgrounds bowing their heads, children learning how to matha tekh (bow) with respect, and sevadars maintaining discipline and devotion – it reminded us of the rich spiritual and cultural heritage that Vaisakhi represents. Beyond the spiritual, the Gatka performances were powerful and captivating – a reminder of our martial tradition and valor. The weightlifting competitions, funfair rides, and children’s activities added joy and energy, making it a day that truly brought generations together. However, the only dampener was the commercialisation of food stalls. Vaisakhi is meant to be a day of seva and sharing, yet almost every food and dessert stall was charging premium prices – even for simple kulfis or ice creams. It’s disheartening when a religious festival becomes an opportunity for profit-making, especially when Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings emphasis humility, fairness, and service. Recommendation: For food, we’d suggest stepping outside the park – there are plenty of local restaurants along the street that serve more authentic and affordable meals with the same warmth. Highly Recommended: Attend for Guru Maharaj Ji’s darshan, the kirtan, the Gatka, and the sense of community spirit – these are not to be missed. It’s a chance to reconnect with Sikhi, especially for younger generations. May Guru Sahib bless all sevadars who made the event happen – your efforts brought the spirit of Vaisakhi to life in the heart of Birmingham. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh. 🙏