THOUSANDS of worshippers are expected to celebrate the Sikh festival Vaisakhi on Sunday, March 31, turning Hounslow into a sea of orange.
The 15th annual Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan procession is due to leave from the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, off Hanworth Road, Hounslow, at 1pm.
It will make its way up Hibernia Road and along Staines Road before completing a loop taking in Wellington Road North, Bath Road and Martindale Road.
After stopping briefly at the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, in Martindale Road, the procession, participants in which traditionally wear orange, will return to its starting point via Staines Road.
The event marks the anniversary of the baptism of the first five members of the brotherhood of the Khalsa, said to have happened on April 13, 1699.
As well as giving Sikhs the chance to worship and celebrate, organisers hope the procession will help increase awareness and understanding about the religion.
Sikh families and businesses from across the borough will have stalls along the route serving free refreshments to members of the procession.
Celebrations at the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha will begin at 7am. The procession is due to arrive back at the temple, where the festivities will continue, at 5pm.
