Words: Win Roddy
Photos: Paul Abraham
Hundreds of people packed into All Hallows Church Hall to take part in a colourful community mela.
The Harvest Festival Celebration drew in communities, families with different cultural backgrounds, faiths and ages, all mingling and chatting together inside a noisy and packed venue.
It was organised on behalf of voluntary organisation Sabhrang Group. Sabhrang means ‘Rainbow’.
Sabhrang’s aim is to create a safe, inclusive and supportive spaces where individuals – especially women – can connect, express themselves and improve their mental health and wellbeing through cultural activities, creativity and community engagement.
The Mela itself was varied, lively and colourful. A programme packed with cultural performance – singing, traditional and folk music, dancing, storytelling, poetry and speeches. Approximately 25 performances in all and they shone!
Along with the entertainment there were several stalls displaying appetising food and drinks, crafts, jewellery and face painting. And outside, for the children, there was a bouncy castle.
Special guests were Deputy Leeds Lord Mayor Barry Anderson and the Deputy Lady Mayoress. They were warmly welcomed and escorted to their seats, accompanied by the beats of a Dhol (drum).
Jostling for space, the civic dignitaries were among those who joined in an impromptu audience participation Bhangra dance lesson. Beginning with single arm and leg-shaking movements and progressing into what appeared to be a kind of dance. Energetic and fun!
Following the performances, there was a meaningful thank you speech by the Deputy Lord Mayor and a prize-giving segment in acknowledgement and thanks to everyone involved for the encouragement and hard work they had contributed to the event’s overall success.
In her closing speech, Dr Satwant Kaur Rait defined the spirit and true meaning of Vaisakhi, one of the most important festivals in Sikhism.
She said: “Vaisakhi is celebrated every year on April 13 or 14, and while it began as a harvest festival in Punjab, it holds a much deeper meaning for Sikhs. It marks a defining moment in Sikh history—the creation of the Khalsa, the community of initiated Sikhs.
“Vaisakhi is not just a historical event. It is the birth of Sikh identity as we know it today.
“At its heart, Vaisakhi represents identity, equality, and commitment. It reminds Sikhs of the courage of the Panj Pyare and the vision of Guru Gobind Singh Ji—to stand up for what is right, to defend the oppressed, and to live honestly.
“It also reinforces the idea that everyone is equal, regardless of race, gender, or social class. This was a revolutionary idea at the time and continues to be deeply relevant today.
“For many Sikhs, Vaisakhi is a time to reflect on their values, renew their faith, and strengthen their connection to their community.
“In a wider sense, Vaisakhi also carries a universal message. It teaches us about standing up for justice, helping others, and living with integrity—values that go beyond any one religion.
“To conclude, Vaisakhi is much more than a festival. It is a powerful reminder of a moment in history (1699) that shaped Sikh identity and continues to inspire millions of people around the world.
“It celebrates courage in the face of fear, unity in diversity, and the importance of living a life guided by truth and compassion.”
Sabhrang Welcoming Team and hosts included:
Director, Dr Satwant Kaur Rait, who is active in the community in Chaplaincy work, Satwant serves underrepresented Indian women – groups (including Hindu, Sikh, Buddist and Jain). She is passionate about equality and spiritual care and loves her work.
Amongst her many academic qualifications and accomplishments, she has become a published author of 15 books and 17 articles. At 84, ‘retired’ and blind in one eye, Satwant is still writing and continues to be involved in research, translation and interpretation services. She travels to Manchester University NHS Trust one day a week working in Chaplaincy.
Organiser of the Mela, Damanjit Kaur (known as Jita), describes herself as ‘a community builder, daytime beauty therapist and a single mother’.
She said: “Sabhrang is not just a word, it is a mission. I was proud to organise this event with support from other organisations, small councillors’ funds and help from charities and sponsors.
“It is a way of bringing the community together, like family, to celebrate culture with pride, to empower women and to give everyone a chance to shine. Above all, to let the children know where their parents come from and keep their legacy alive.”
Stage presenter, Meenu Singh, is a community presenter. She is a member of the Yorkshire Sikh Forum and presenter with a community radio station serving Punjabi and South Asian communities in the North of England.
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