This year, Vaisakhi was full of excitement

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Once again, it was the time of year when communities unite to remember the lively and vital festival of Vaisakhi. The annual Vaisakhi celebration occurred on Saturday, April 20th, representing a significant event for Sikhs globally.

Vaisakhi is highly significant as it marks the start of the Khalsa, a group of Sikhs who have undergone beginning, by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. This important event not only marked the founding of Sikhism as a separate belief system but also represented the dedication to Sikh values of fairness, righteousness, and selflessness.

Vaisakhi is remembered with a parade in numerous cities worldwide. Participants have the opportunity to visit Gurdwaras, which are places of worship, and partake in the lively celebrations on the streets known as Nagar Kirtans. Surrey organized its 26th parade this year, while Vancouver and a multitude of individuals celebrated its 45th last few weekends ago. Several roads in Surrey were closed on Saturday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. These roads include 128 St from 72 to 88 avenues, 75 and 76 avenues from 124 to 128 streets, 124 St from 75 to 82 avenues, and 82 Avenue from 124 to 128 streets. The procession commenced at 9 a.m. at Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar located on 85 Avenue and will conclude at the same gurdwara at 4 p.m. Residents will be required to present identification as proof of their residency in the area, but they will not be required to obtain a permit.

The parade featured several tents and vendors spread throughout the streets that were closed off for the event. Among them, the Conservative Party of B.C. had a booth and enjoyed an excellent turnout. The Surrey RCMP demonstrated their strong support of the celebrations, with a significant number of officers actively participating in the festivities. The good weather conditions on Saturday morning greatly helped these festivities, as numerous individuals took to the streets to take part in the vibrant parade of floats, engage in singing, dancing, live musical performances, and participate in the recitation of prayers. In addition, a wide variety of free vegetarian dishes and beverages were provided along the parade routes as a means of seva, which is a selfless act that brings happiness to the numerous individuals partaking in the festivities.

This years celebrations are truly spectacular! Observe the deep importance of this faith to individuals and seize this opportunity to appreciate the cultural aspects, tasty food, and generosity it creates from people. If you had the chance, I hope you took the opportunity to witness the parade and were not let down by the remarkable beauty it holds.

 

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