Huge crowds gathered to watch a colourful Sikh parade in Hounslow on Sunday (March 29).

Traditional orange costumes of people taking part in the borough's 17th annual Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan brightened up an overcast afternoon.

The procession commemorated the anniversary of the initiation of the first five members of the brotherhood of the Khalsa on April 13, 1699 - one of the most significant dates in Sikh history - as well as ushering in the spring.

Worshippers gathered at the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, in Hanworth Road, Hounslow, in the morning, before setting off on a round trip via the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, in Martindale Road, Hounslow.

As usual, a drummer set the beat at the front of the procession, followed by sword bearers, Khalsa flag bearers and an orange-swathed float carrying the Sikh holy book the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.