Emma Reynolds, Labour MP for Wolverhampton North East and Shadow Housing Minister, recently attended a Vaisakhi procession in Wolverhampton.Emma was also present at a celebration of Vaisakhi in Parliament, which included Sikhs from Wolverhampton and across the country. It was organized by a cross-party group of MPs including Emma and Pat McFadden, MP for Wolverhampton South East. Ed Miliband, the Leader of the Labour Party also attended and spoke at the event.

Vaisakhi is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar. It celebrates the foundation of the Khalsa (the Order of the Pure Ones) by the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh.

Emma said: “I was delighted to take part in the Vaisakhi celebrations and the procession from the Willenhall Gurdwara to the Well Lane Gurdwara in Wednesfield in my constituency. The celebration of Vaisakhi has a long tradition in Wolverhampton. The procession is always a joyous and colourful occasion that unites people across the city. That’s because Vaisakhi is a wonderful community celebration, which brings together people of all faiths and ethnicities.

“The Sikh community has a proud history in our city and I am looking forward to commemorating Vaisakhi again at the annual celebration in West Park on 4 May. I am very pleased that once again Vaisakhi has been celebrated in Parliament. Sikhs in Wolverhampton and across the country make a tremendous contribution to their communities. It is, therefore, very important that Parliament celebrate Vaisakhi, which is such a significant occasion in the Sikh holy calendar.”

April 2014