Vaisakhi-FA Faith and Football 2024
1st May 2024
Wembley Stadium

Wembley Stadium played host to a Vaisakhi celebration on Wednesday evening, the latest series of ‘Faith and Football’ events.

This year, over 700 guests experienced the evening with many Sikh artists including the Sikh Musuem Initiative presenting their Sikhi based artwork which also included a VR experience.

The evening began with a performance of Kirtan (religious hymns) by the Grewal Twins before our hosts, broadcaster and DJ Harpz Kaur and Sky News Journalist Amrit Singh Mann, introduced FA Chair Debbie Hewitt MBE and FA head of diversity and inclusion programmes Dal Singh Darroch to welcome the guests.

Traditional Sikh prayers Chaupai Sahib were led by youngsters from Khalsa Primary School and Pioneer Secondary Academy before the Ardaas was performed by the Panj Pyare (‘five beloved ones’) of Khalsa Jatha British Isles of Shepherd’s Bush Gurdwara.

Great to see strides made by Sikhs in football: Simran Jhamat (West Bromwich Albion), Mal Benning (Shrewsbury Town), Arjun Raikhy (Leicester City), Kira Rai (Derby County Women) and Sandeep Tak Mascarenhas (Luton Ladies). 

It was a busy night for our team with many people interacting with our 3D digital showcase of Virtual Reality and 3D touchscreen. We also had numerous artworks on display as well as catching up with talented artists who are part of the ” Contemporary Sikh Art Exhibition”-Vik Kainth, Amrit Kaur, Quartrait, ASMCollection, and Jyoti Kaur.

Also great to hear more about the The Sikh Games taking place this year Mandeep Kaur Moore
Thanks to Dal K S Darroch and the team for inviting us to such a great occasion.

Reporting by the Football Association and the SMI.