Over 550,000 people flooded the streets of Newton Saturday (April 19) for the annual Nagar Kirtan (Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade), organizers said.
"What we witnessed today was a beautiful expression of unity, diversity, and shared joy,鈥� parade spokesperson Moninder Singh said. 鈥淭he Surrey Nagar Kirtan is an opportunity for the Sikh community to share its history, practices, commitment to human rights and sovereignty, and engage with all those people and communities who call Surrey and Canada home. We鈥檙e thrilled to see this tradition continue to flourish and bring people together.鈥�
The float-filled parade began at the Gurdwara Sahib Darbar (12885 85 Ave., Surrey) at around 9 a.m., travelling along 124 Street to 75 Avenue, along 76 Avenue and then on 128 Street before returning to the Gurdwara around 5 p.m.
"As tradition dictates, the centerpiece of the parade was the float carrying the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the sacred scripture of the Sikh faith, treated with the highest reverence and respect," organizers said.
Vaisakhi is celebrated by Sikhs around the world every spring on the day that marks the establishment of the Khalsa order by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. This day is considered one of the most important days in the Sikh calendar, and many Nagar Kirtans (community religious parades) are held around the world on this day. Surrey is home to one of the world's largest Khalsa Day (Vaisakhi) parades.
, "The event welcomes people of all cultures and communities who come together in this communal gathering of understanding, sharing, and goodwill. Over 500,000 people attended last year's Khalsa Day parade.
Hundreds of booths line the route as businesses and families hand out food and treats to parade-goers. Surrey's Vaisakhi Parade has been held annually in Newton over the past three decades, save for a three-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, when the 2020, 2021 and 2022 parades were cancelled. Parades have been held in Vancouver since 1979 and in Surrey since 1998.
Politicians from all levels of government made an appearance, including Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke and city councillors, Premier David Eby and several BC NDP MLA's, several Conservative Party of BC MLA's, Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and several local NDP and Liberal candidates also running for MP. Federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre also made an appearance and several Conservative candidates running for MP.
Both Locke and Eby expressed their gratitude for the Sikh community.
"The Sikh community has contributed more than we can ever say to the City of Surrey; we are a better city because of you," Locke said. "Thank you for practicing your faith right here in the City of Surrey, it is so important. The diversity of our city is absolutely our blessing."
Eby said, "One of the things that I really love about Vaisakhi is that the Sikh community welcomes everybody into this important religious celebration. It's a time for the community to all come together, and especially a time to reflect on the amazing contributions of Sikhs to building our incredible province."
"The values of the Sikh religion have never been more important to us as British Columbians, working together, supporting each other, lifting each other up, especially at a time when others want to drive hate and division. So, thank you for bringing us together," Eby said.
Singh thanked everyone and reflected on the creation of the Khalsa and the reason for Sikhism.
-With files from Tom Zilich
