The annual Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan in Southall, held today (6 April 2025), started on a lovely sunny day but was unfortunately cut short due to a fire at a food stall along the procession route.

Several people were injured in the incident, prompting the cancellation of the remainder of the procession. Despite this, other scheduled activities continued as planned, and the Palki Sahib was respectfully returned to Parkview Road Gurdwara in Southall.

At approximately 12:45pm, the fire ignited at one of the food stalls on the Nagar Kirtan route, which traditionally draws tens of thousands of attendees to the streets of Southall.

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While the fire was contained to the stall itself, the London Fire Brigade discovered propane gas canisters on-site, which posed a significant public safety risk due to their proximity to the crowd.

A decision was subsequently made, in consultation with event organisers, to bring the event to an early close. The significance of this long-standing and important community gathering was fully considered in the process of making this difficult but necessary public safety decision. Authorities extended their thanks to all attendees for their cooperation, understanding, and patience during the incident.

According to the Sikh Press Association, Southall hosts one of the world’s largest annual religious street processions, with over 30,000 people joining the Nagar Kirtan Vaisakhi celebrations each year in West London.

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The procession was due to begin at Park Avenue Gurdwara and end at Guru Nanak Road Gurdwara, commemorating the creation of the Khalsa Panth. However, due to the fire, it was redirected and concluded back at Park Avenue Gurdwara.

London Ambulance Service confirmed that seven individuals were treated for minor burns, none of which are believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

Ealing Council issued a public statement via X (formerly Twitter), stating: "Following a fire at a food stall, people were injured and as a result a decision was made to stop the festival. The event, which was due to finish at 4pm, has been stopped. Please do not attend and avoid the area as crowds disperse."

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National Rail added: "Trains are currently unable to call at Southall due to the fire brigade dealing with an incident near the railway."

This was the fire which broke out at Southall today pic.twitter.com/9igZEDxY67

— Gurwinder singh (@Gurwinderkailay) April 6, 2025

Seema Malhotra, MP for Feltham & Heston, who was present earlier in the day, tweeted: "Very special to join with colleagues and so many from the local community for today’s Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan in Southall."