Around 3,000 people joined a colourful Sikh procession as it wended its way through Hounslow on Sunday (April 3), organisers have estimated.
Crowds gathered at the side of the street to watch the annual Vaisakhi parade, with the event thought to have attracted a combined total of around 7,000 participants and spectators.
Bright sunshine meant the vivid orange colours of the holy festival were even more dazzling, as marchers walked to the pounding beat of the drum.
This was the 18th year the festival, marking the religion's roots , has been celebrated with a parade through the borough, starting and ending at the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, in Hanworth Road, Hounslow.
At the heart of the procession, as usual, was the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, which is accorded such reverence worshippers treat it as a living being, dressing it and putting it to bed each night.
Organisers delighted by support from non-Sikhs
Satwinder Ahdan, a volunteer at the gurdwara, said he was delighted by the turnout, especially from non-Sikhs showing their support.
He told how one stranger had donated a piece of fabric, known as a "rumala", in which to wrap the book, along with a £50 note.
"The support we had from people like this, who are not Sikhs but understand and appreciate the good work we do, was one of the most satisfying parts of the day," he said.
"It showed how more and more people now understand and respect our philosophy, which is about helping others and remaining humble."
He also thanked all those who had helped to organise the procession, which he said took six months to plan.
Partapdev Kaur of Sikh educational charity Basics of Sikhi, said: "Vaisakhi is one of the most important times of the year for Sikhs as it is when we celebrate the creation of the Khalsa, the initiated collective of Sikhs who represent the living form of God on earth.
"The traditional manner of celebration is Nagar Kirtan, which are the street processions that many are now used to seeing.
"Nagar Kirtans have become a fixture in the calendar of Hounslow and residents - both Sikh and non-Sikh - really enjoy the festive celebrations. We hope that this opportunity can also be used for people to learn more about Sikhs and the Sikh faith."
You can see photos from last year's Vaisakhi parade in our gallery.
