Video summary
An amazing 100,000 people attend the Vaisakhi parade, which Simran’s dad has organised in their hometown of Birmingham.
Vaisakhi (or Baisakhi) is a festival which celebrates the founding of the Sikh community, the Khalsa, in 1699 and takes place on 13 or 14 April every year.
Simran is there with her family and she describes everything that forms part of the celebration and why it's so important to Khalsa Sikhs.
She also takes part in the very colorful 3½ mile parade through the streets of Birmingham with her family. Simran also explains that it is a time to remember old stories, share fun times with friends and family and think about the year to come.
Teacher Notes
Pupils could hold a discussion about volunteering. Ask them to think of examples of volunteering around the school or in their lives outside.
Watch the clip and ask them to note everything that the volunteers do at Vaisakhi. Ask them to consider what the benefits of volunteering are; to us personally, to others and to a community. How does volunteering make us feel? Why is it a good thing to do?
Sikhs follow the teaching of the Gurus, who say that if you want to find God, you should serve others. Ask pupils to suggest how and why they would like to volunteer, in school, in the wider community and in other areas of their lives.
This topic will be relevant to teaching Religious Education at KS2 or KS3 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and National 2 or 3 in Scotland.
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The Five Ks of Sikhism. video
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Simran, aged 11, describes the Sikh place of worship which is called the Gurdwara.
The Guru Granth Sahib. video
Simran, aged 11, explains the importance of the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib.
The Khalsa. video
Simran, aged 11, tells the story of the founding of the Sikh Khalsa 300 years ago.
The Ten Gurus. video
Simran, aged 11, explains who the Ten Gurus are and why they are important to those who follow Sikhism.
Life as a young Sikh girl. video
A young British Sikh introduces herself, her family and some of the main beliefs of her religion.
