Every spring, Trafalgar Square turns orange as thousands gather to mark Vaisakhi on the Square 2026, one of the most important days in the Sikh calendar.
It is a celebration of culture, community and faith — but for many who pass through central London on the day, its deeper meaning isn’t widely understood. So what is Vaisakhi actually about, and why does it matter beyond the Sikh community?
In this short film, Satvinder Leyton — who came to Britain in the 1960s — explains the festival in his own words.
From his childhood, to wearing his turban with pride, to the crowds celebrating in the heart of London today, he reflects on what Vaisakhi has meant across a lifetime, and how its place in Britain has changed:
Featured image credit: Rashmi Varma. Taken at Vaisakhi on the Square, Trafalgar Square, London on 18 April 2026
