EAST MIDLANDS VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS COMBINING TO EXHIBIT THE SIKH EMPIRE IN KIBWORTH, LEICESTERSHIRE

THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK

Leicester- The East Midlands based voluntary organisations DEV3K Appreciation Society from Derbyshire and Punjabi Listeners Club from Leicester are organising Vaisakhi Celebrations on Saturday 23rd May from 12.30 to 3.30 pm at Kibworth Village Hall, 15 Station Street, Kibworth Beauchamp, Leicestershire LE8 0LN which will include The Sikh Empire Exhibition, Sikh Martial Arts Display, Children Colouring Competition, Have A Go Turban Tying, performances by authors, poets and singers as well as singing and dances by local based Gidha Punjabanna Da.

Those invited to the celebrations include Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire Mr. Mike Kapur OBE – King Charles’ representative for Leicester and Leicestershire, 1st Citizen of Leicestershire – Chairman of Leicestershire County Council Councillor Paul Harrisonl, 1st Citizen of Leicester – The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Leicester, 1st Citizen of Harborough District Council, Leader of Oadby and Wigston Council Councillor Samia Haq as well as the Presidents of Leicester Gurdwara. Confirmed VIP guests include Baljit Singh Brar, Senior Journalist and Editor of Punjab Times Group Newspapers published in India and Canada and Dr Kevin Feltham ex-Chairman of Leicestershire County Council.

Punjabi Listeners Club was formed on the 3rd Anniversary of BBC Radio Leicester’s Punjabi Programme on 9 September 1995, promotes Punjabi Language, Culture and Sikh religion. The club celebrated its 30th anniversary in September 2025 and has raised thousands of pounds for UK registered charities such as children In Need, Wishes4Kids, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Charities, Khalsa Aid, various Lord Mayors’ charities

Banda Singh Bahadur established the first Sikh Empire in 1710 after being baptised by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Sikh Guru at Nanded in Maharashtra state of India. Guru Ji transformed Madho Das Bairagi into Banda Singh Bahadur in 1708 appointing him the commander of the Khalsa Army to lead the struggle against Moghal atrocities in Punjab. Banda Singh Bahadur was given an Order\ Hukamnama – commanding Sikhs to support him, five arrows, a sword, a flag, a drum and small number of Sikhs – empowering him to fight the regime responsible for the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the 9th Sikh Guru and the younger Sahibzaday – younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji who were bricked alive at ages 5 yrs and 7 years for not converting into Islam faith. Banda Singh Bahadur abolished the Zamindari system and gave land rights to tillers. The Sikh Empire during Maharaja Ranjit Singh extended from Afghanistan to Delhi but was divided into India and Pakistan in 1947.

“I am immensely pleased to learn about the dedication and zeal with which Mr. Tarlochan Singh Virk is working hard to promote and enrich Punjabi language, culture, heritage and rich Sikh history, His sustained efforts in organising events centred on Sikhism – its traditions, heritage and folklore are truly commendable. His latest initiative Vaisakhi Celebrations includes The Sikh Empire Exhibition spanning from Banda Singh Bahadur to Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji is particularly noteworthy. It highlights the establishment of a governance and enduring legacy. I extend my best wishes for the successful impact of this event. …Prof { Dr. } Jagtar Singh Dhiman, Vice Chancellor, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda, Punjab, India. “

There will be a colouring competition for children, everyone can have a chance at Have a Go at Turban Tying, Poets, Authors and Singers will enlighten everyone on the importance of Vaisakhi and Sikh history. The celebrations will begin with the Sikh National Anthem and religious hymn. The latest book on Sikh Homeland called Khalsa Freedom Charter by author Jaspal Singh Bains will be released. Entertainment will be provided by Gidha Punjabanna Da Ladies Group. Everyone is welcome to the celebrations which are free to enter.

For further information, please contact
Harjinder Singh Rai 07506342603
Gurnam Singh Rupowal 07557506045.