In Surrey, this past Saturday, the annual Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade attracted a record-breaking crowd of over 550,000 attendees, making it the largest celebration of the Sikh event globally. The parade commenced in the morning at the Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar located on 85th Avenue and continued throughout the day.
The event was a vibrant showcase of Sikh culture, featuring an array of floats, live music, and traditional dancing. Adding to the festivities, vendors along the parade route offered free vegetarian food as a form of ‘seva’ or selfless service, a core tenet of the Sikh faith.
Moninder Singh, a spokesperson for the event, highlighted the cultural significance of ‘Langar’—the practice of offering free food in Gurdwaras worldwide to anyone in need of food, shelter, and safety. “Langar is also a medium through which communities come together, share their concerns and celebrate commonalities,” Singh explained.
Vaisakhi is a pivotal occasion for Sikhs, commemorating the creation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. The festival welcomes individuals from all faiths and cultures, underscoring its inclusive nature.
Celebrations also took place last weekend in South Vancouver, emphasizing the significant contributions of the Sikh community across the province. During the April 13 parade, Premier David Eby reflected on the community’s journey and achievements. “It’s an occasion for those of us who aren’t Sikh to reflect on the remarkable contributions of the Sikh community in our province and the discrimination they’ve overcome,” Eby stated.
The Surrey Vaisakhi parade not only celebrates Sikh heritage but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation among diverse community members in Metro Vancouver.