Driving through Glasgow to church today, heading down the Western Road, I caught sight of a vibrant colourful celebration, bright orange turbans, waving flags, and the holding of sharp swords.

What I saw was a Sikh Vaisakhi procession, a festival marking their New Year and the formation of the Khalsa, a community founded in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh. This community was established to stand for justice and equality, and the Vaisakhi procession is a vibrant celebration of these values.

 The atmosphere was filled with a unique sense of peace and happiness. People of all ages were marching together, wrapped in a spirit of unity that was truly calming.

At first, the orange hues made me think of the Orange Walk, a bold and historical Protestant march I’d seen before. But this was different. It was not a protest or a claim but a joyful expression of faith.

 I learned that Sikhism centers on one god, a life of service, and breaking free from reincarnation through doing good deeds.

 The peace and happiness I observed were not merely festive; they appear to be deeply rooted in their trust in their god’s presence.

It got me thinking, how could I share my own faith with them? My belief in Jesus, whose love and sacrifice for me, gives me that similar joy, and in the God I know through Him. However, I also recognize the potential challenges in sharing my faith with a community that has its own deeply rooted beliefs.

Their openness, as seen in their warm procession and the way they welcome others, felt like a warm invitation, making a feeling of being accepted and included.

 I didn’t see them sharing food on the march, but they often do that at their Gurdwara, a place they might stop at later.

Maybe it starts with a question: “What brings you that peace?” I could listen, then share how Jesus brings me mine, pointing to the God I trust.

 Visiting their Gurdwara or inviting them to a gathering of my own could build that bridge.

Their happiness was a spark; now it’s about connecting through it, one honest conversation at a time.

The Sun article of this event.