HUNDREDS of people lined the streets of Huddersfield yesterday to watch the colourful Sikh procession for Vaisakhi.

The festival marked the 310th anniversary of the start of the Sikh religion.

It is one of the most significant holidays in the Sikh calendar, commemorating the establishment of the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib in 1699.

It also marks the beginning of the Sikh new year and a new harvest season.

People of all faiths watched on as the vibrant procession made its way through the town centre from the Sikh Temple on Prospect Street to the Hillhouse Temple.

Young children wore their most colourful clothes and joined in the procession.

Guru Nanak Temple secretary Inderpal Randawa said: “This is good for the community. I think everybody is coming together here to see the parade and celebrate the Vaisakhi.

“Not just the Sikh community but the different communities here in Huddersfield.”

Sikh youngsters led the procession through the town with the elders leading the prayer.

Hundreds of women and children followed behind with the men behind them.

The procession also included people of the non-Sikh faith.

Mr Randawa added: “Vaisakhi is the birthday of the Sikh in 1699. It was the start of it all.

“We have people from all over Yorkshire with us to celebrate.”

Kirklees council leader Mehboob Khan attended along with fellow Greenhead councillor Mohan Sokhal.

Clr Khan said: “This is the 30th year the Sikh community in Huddersfield has organised a procession from the Sikh Temple in the town to the beautiful temple in Fartown.

“They want to celebrate this special day for them with the whole community and I think it is important for people of all faiths or no faith to see this wonderful procession.”

Clr Sokhal added: “I have really enjoyed it here, it has been wonderful to see.

“I think everyone celebrating like this is good for community cohesion.”

To see a video of the procession visit www.examiner.co.uk.