Surrey, B.C., Vaisakhi parade draws Sikhs from around the world

The Vaishakhi celebration in Suri, British Columbia was recognized as the largest celebration of this Sikh festival in the world with the attendance of more than half a million people. Khalsa Vaishakhi Suri Day Festival started from Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar Temple on 85th Street and its colorful parade passed through the streets of the city for several hours.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Syria estimated the number of participants in this parade to be more than 550,000 people. This holy day is also known as the New Year in the Sikh calendar.

The Vaishakhi festival is associated with joyous and passionate processions, as well as the age-old tradition of 'seva' and 'langar', where people are offered free food. These two traditions are one of the important pillars of the Sikh religion.

The Vaishakhi festival was widely welcomed by Sikhs from all over the world and people from all cultures came to Suri to participate in the event and watch the floats, taste the delicious food and enjoy the music.

Amandeep Kaur, who traveled from the Punjab region of India, the birthplace of the majority of Sikhs, told the crowd: "The joy and solidarity" that prevailed in this event made him feel at home.

Imran Hayer, who was unable to participate in this celebration last year due to the restrictions of Covid-19, attended this ceremony with enthusiasm this year. "Syria is a multicultural city and it's a wonderful feeling to see people from all over come together to participate in this celebration," he told CBC as he helped serve thousands of pecoras (falafels).

Hayer, whose family joined him from Victoria and Bellingham, Washington to participate in the celebration, added: "The immigration of a large part of our society to this country and the establishment of such a magnificent celebration in a new land gives me an indescribable sense of pride and honor. .”

The importance of Vaishakhi as a day for meditation and expression of faith was a theme that was evident among many people present at this celebration.

Some Sikh organizations in British Columbia expressed concern earlier this month over Surrey Mayor Brenda Luke's comments that "700,000 people celebrating for one day is a lot of fun."

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