The city of Brampton witnessed the vibrant and spiritual procession of the Sikh Nagar Kirtan parade yesterday, which brought together thousands of participants in a grand display of faith and community spirit.
The Nagar Kirtan, a Sikh religious tradition, commenced at 11:30 a.m. on June 9, 2024, following a route from Dixie Road and Bovaird Drive East to Humberwest Parkway and Queen Street. The parade is a significant event for Brampton’s Sikh community, symbolizing the singing of holy hymns and the sharing of the town’s communal spaces.
This year’s parade was marked by a peaceful and joyous atmosphere, as attendees walked the streets adorned in traditional attire, singing hymns, and sharing langar (community meals) with the public. The event also included various floats depicting scenes from Sikh history, promoting messages of peace, courage, and social justice.
The procession concluded at 6 p.m., after which the community engaged in prayers and reflections on the teachings of Sikh Gurus. The Brampton Police facilitated the parade’s safe passage, ensuring minimal disruption to the city’s traffic flow.
The Sikh Nagar Kirtan parade is not only a religious observance but also a celebration of cultural diversity, showcasing the harmonious integration of the Sikh community within the multicultural tapestry of Brampton.
For the second year in a row, a Sikh cultural parade in Brampton has intensified tensions between Canada and India due to a float portraying the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The Sikh Martyrdom Parade, a significant religious event, also commemorated the 40th anniversary of Operation Blue Star—a military action ordered by Gandhi against Sikh separatists that resulted in approximately 400 deaths. Gandhi’s subsequent assassination by her Sikh bodyguards was depicted in the parade, causing outrage.
India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, condemned the float as a “public display of violence and hatred,” stating it intimidates Indian nationals in Canada. He criticized Canadian authorities for repeatedly failing to address such incidents.
This year’s float also featured a cutout of current Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a jail cell, adding to the controversy. Videos of the event have circulated, further straining diplomatic relations.
Tensions were already high following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s accusations that the Indian government was involved in the assassination of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, a supporter of the Khalistan movement, was killed in a targeted attack in British Columbia, leading India to temporarily suspend visa services for Canadians.
The Brampton City Council has called for increased security at places of worship following Nijjar’s murder. The parade has sparked discussions about the historical context and educational value of such displays within the Sikh community.