Join 550,000 at the B.C. Vaisakhi Parade: A Celebration of Unity, Diversity, and Joy!

On April 19, over 550,000 people filled the streets of Newton for the annual Nagar Kirtan, also known as the Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade. This vibrant event celebrates Sikh culture and draws participants from diverse backgrounds.

Moninder Singh, a spokesperson for the parade, highlighted the significance of this gathering. “Today was a wonderful display of unity and joy," he said. “The Surrey Nagar Kirtan allows the Sikh community to share its history and values while connecting with everyone in Surrey and across Canada.” It’s heartening to see this tradition thrive and foster community spirit.

The parade kicked off at Gurdwara Sahib Darbar around 9 a.m., moving along a set route before returning to the Gurdwara around 5 p.m. A standout feature of the parade was a float carrying the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the holy scripture of Sikhism, which is treated with utmost respect.

Vaisakhi is an important festival for Sikhs worldwide, celebrating the establishment of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Communities globally hold Nagar Kirtans to commemorate this date. Surrey’s parade is one of the largest in the world, with significant participation from various cultures.

This year’s event saw participation from local and provincial politicians, including Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, Premier David Eby, and Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. Each acknowledged the contributions of the Sikh community. “Surrey is a better city because of you,” said Locke, emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity. Eby added that Vaisakhi is a time for unity, especially in challenging times.

Interestingly, the event has faced interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with parades halted from 2020 to 2022. However, the tradition dates back to 1998 in Surrey and has been celebrated in Vancouver since 1979.

Recent surveys show that participation in community events like these is crucial for promoting inclusivity. By bringing people together in celebration, the Sikh community fosters understanding and goodwill, a sentiment echoed by many attendees on social media.

As communities continue to navigate complexities in today’s society, events like the Nagar Kirtan serve as a reminder of the shared values of love, respect, and unity. With continued support and participation, these celebrations can strengthen bonds and cultivate an even greater sense of belonging.

For more information about the significance of Vaisakhi and events surrounding it, you can check out this government report on cultural celebrations.

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