The Prime Minister has made a surprise appearance in Gravesend at the Vaisakhi celebrations.
David Cameron, who was accompanied by his wife Samantha, donned an orange “patka” headscarf as he visited the town’s Sikh temple – Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara.
Mr and Mrs Cameron joined around 3,000 worshippers on a parade to celebrate Vaisakhi – one of the most important celebrations in the Sikh calendar.
Today (April 18) marks the town’s biggest celebration of the festival to date.
Photo: Mandip Shergill
The Camerons’ visit was slightly delayed after a scuffle – caught on camera by PA reporter James Tapsfield - appeared to break out among worshippers.
Proceedings delayed somewhat on Cameron visit to Gurdwara due to scuffle pic.twitter.com/ccNY84EkEB
— James Tapsfield (@JamesTapsfield) April 18, 2015
It is believed the dispute was caused by a priest objecting to speeches being made during prayers and Mr and Mrs Cameron were taken to a side room in the temple until it was resolved.
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Gravesend was awash with colour for the festivities, which mark the anniversary of the founding of Sikhism as a collective faith back in 1699.
Photo: @girlaboutthames
In the Punjab region, in eastern Pakistan and northern India, Vaisakhi also celebrates the spring harvest and the start of the new year.
An open air party on the Guru Nanak sports field on Trinity Road, with a funfair, Sikh martial arts performance, kids’ activities, food stalls and Bhangra music followed the parade.
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