THOUSANDS of people across Hampshire enjoyed special ceremonies to mark the biggest event in the Sikh calendar.

People flocked to Gurdwaras throughout the day to celebrate Vaisakhi, which marks the birth of Sikh culture, for prayers and singing.

New flags were raised outside the temples in Southampton for the event.

Dara Singh, president at the Gurdwara Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, St Mark's Road, said it was the biggest turnout he had ever seen at the temple.

It is Hampshire's oldest Gurdwara and has been on its current site since moving from Clovelly Road ten years ago.

Mr Singh said: "We probably had around 600 people during the day. The place was completely full up. I've never seen it so busy here."

Thousands of people are expected to watch the colourful Nagar Kirtan street procession, featuring drummers and floats, in Southampton on Sunday.