Vaisakhi with Saroop Sangha

With each new season of South Asian festivals, celebrations and customs, we sit down with dear friends to explore the significance of these moments to them.

For Vaisakhi, we speak to sartorial superstar Saroop Sangha. Once a data analyst, she is now a Fashion Writer & Assistant at SheerLuxe and a proud member of the UK South Asian community. Saroop uses her platforms to actively celebrate occasions like Bandi Chhor Divas, Vaisakhi and Diwali, and show her audience how to incorporate cultural elements into modern fashion looks. Here, she shares why Vaisakhi is so important to her, the unexpected family traditions it’s created, and her early memories of taking part in nagar kirtan.

➺ What does Vaisakhi mean to you, how has this changed over time?

Growing up, my mum was the main religious force in our home. Like many others, I too was a Punjabi-school kid, spending three hours in class on Sunday mornings. While I didn’t retain much of the grammar or vocabulary, I was completely captivated by the lessons on Sikh history. Learning how the Khalsa was formed and hearing stories of the early Gurus was fascinating to me. Because I showed such interest, my mum made sure we always celebrated Vaisakhi properly. She recognised how interested I was in Sikhi, and really encouraged that.

One of my favourite memories is going with her to the Nishan Sahib ceremony, where the flag outside the gurdwara is washed in milk and replaced with a bright new one. She’d stand next to me and encourage me to go to the front and take part. I’ve always loved how there are so many thoughtful symbolic ceremonies within Sikhi, each with such meaning and intention. Although my mum is heartbreakingly no longer with us, and I’m older, not living at home, I still celebrate Vaisakhi with my dad and rest of my family, or with friends in London. It always includes a trip to the gurdwara – and of course, a great Punjabi meal after.

➺ Describe your typical day celebrating Vaisakhi.

When I was living at home, my family and I would always take part in seva at our local nagar kirtan, helping to make and serve langar on the day. It’s the busiest day of year for our local gurdwara, and with so many people to feed, it was always a bit chaotic – but in the best way. While the usual langar is a mix of classic sabjis and daals, for nagar kirtan we’d get the green light to add in a few fun extras (like pizza and chips) so we were always busy prepping dough and peeling potatoes.

➺ Describe a childhood memory associated with Vaisakhi.

On Vaisakhi itself, when I was younger, both my parents worked full-time, but they’d always try to finish early so we could all go to the gurdwara together for prayers. And while it’s not exactly traditional, my mum would spend most Sundays at the gurdwara, so on Vaisakhi she would spend the whole weekend there, which meant no fresh food at home. Her dad, my Naana, would treat the family to fish and chips instead. They lived in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, so it was proper fresh fish and chips – and it actually became our little family tradition. Even now, after prayers on Vaisakhi, my Dad and I will pass by the chip shop on the way home and eat together. Honestly, it’s one of the best and most wholesome memories from my childhood.

➺ Do you have any rituals you follow on the days leading up to Vaisakhi?

I wouldn’t say there are any specific traditions that I follow, but on a regular day I try to complete the Ardaas (daily prayer) twice a day – if not both morning and evening, then at least once. So on Vaisakhi, I make a conscious effort to do both. Beyond that, I’m usually just buzzing with excitement to head to the gurdwara in the evening, to be with my community, and to soak in the energy of the day: it’s always so uplifting. While it’s not necessarily part of the traditional celebration, I also light a few candles at home. For me, it’s a small but meaningful way to bring light into my home – symbolically and spiritually. It feels like a moment of peace, reflection, and a way to honour my late family members, keeping their presence close as I mark the day.

➺ What are you bringing to the langar?

I’ll be honest – my Punjabi cooking isn’t quite up to scratch just yet. But with a little help from the Dishoom cookbook, I’ll be bringing their iconic Black Daal to the table! It’s rich, hearty, and perfect for a celebration like Vaisakhi. I’ll also be roping in my Dadi-ji to make my all-time favourite: okra sabji or lady fingers. It’s so full of flavour and always hits the spot with a side of hot, buttered rotis. As for dessert, it was actually at one of the nagar kirtans where I first saw how jalebis were made. While I was slightly alarmed by the fact that they’re essentially just butter, sugar and oil, I’ve continued to eat them consistently for a good 20 years. Vaisakhi feels like the perfect excuse to enjoy a few extra. My dad and I are also big fans of kheer (it’s hard not to be), so whether we’re having it at the gurdwara or at home – usually made by my Pua as part of a full family feast – it’s always part of the day.

➺ Who are you trusting to make the chai?

This is a pretty divisive question in my family: everyone’s all secretly (or not so secretly) competing for the title of number one chai-wala. But if I had to choose, it’s probably between my brother and my Mama – my maternal uncle. Around the time of my brother’s wedding, we were drinking chai like there was no tomorrow, and I think that’s when he really perfected the craft. It’s always spot on: the perfect balance of spice and just the right amount of sweetness. I don’t have tea at my Mama’s as often, but when I do, I know it’s going to be a good day. I don’t know what he does, but his chai is always so rich and full of warm, comforting flavours. Plus, there’s always a solid biscuit selection waiting on the side – which, let’s be honest, really seals the deal.

➺ Who are you giving your last parontha to?

Oh – I mean, it’s bold to assume that I would ever willingly give my last parontha to anyone. But I suppose if I really had to and it was absolutely essential for me to complete this incredible good deed, it would probably be my dad. I’ve watched that man eat an impressive number of paronthas in one sitting so I know it wouldn’t go to waste. But as I say, I would only give up my last parontha for a seriously extenuating circumstance, I don’t take sharing paronthas lightly. They’re probably one of the greatest foods to exist and absolutely my favourite.

➺ What are you wearing to the Gurdwara?

Whilst I am very involved in the fashion world, on Vaisakhi I usually go with something that is both stylish and comfortable in equal measure. I need something that will allow me to matha tek (bow my head to the floor). I of course always practice this in any outfit beforehand, as any seasoned Gurdwara-goer will understand! Typically I’ll go for a simple kurta-style suit with a bit of colour, and I’ll dress it up with an embroidered chunni. Now the outfit wouldn't be complete without my favourite signature gold jhumke. Finally, a simple felt bindi and some bright bangles will bring the look together. I would always sit and admire people’s outfits in the gurdwara on Vaisakhi so I think it’s nice to play around with traditional colours and textures.