Surrey Vaisakhi celebration welcomes thousands
Posted April 22, 2023 3:29 pm.
Last Updated April 25, 2023 10:25 am.
The world’s largest Vaisakhi parade was back in full force in Surrey Saturday.
Roughly eight city blocks were packed as organizers say more than 500,000 people showed up for the Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade.
Most of the festivities centered around the Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar on 85th Avenue near 128th Street.
Read more: World’s largest Vaisakhi celebration returns to Surrey Saturday
“This year’s procession featured 19 floats representing local Sikh schools, community groups, humanitarian organizations, as well as the most important float in the procession that carries the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy scripture),” a news release from organizers says.
Come say hi at today’s Vaisakhi celebrations in Surrey! https://t.co/hEUH8cx9hP pic.twitter.com/uqb16ba2W3
— X – Abbotsford Canucks (@abbycanucks) April 22, 2023
Some in attendance voiced their joy at the return of the celebration, citing the difficulties that came from the cancellation of the event over the past few years.
“It was very hard for the community. This is one of the days when everybody comes together. There are other events, but this is the huge [one],” an event-goer told CityNews.
They add that part of the joy comes with being able to “celebrate with everybody together.”
“It was very, very hard. We celebrate Vaisakhi every year, so this time the turnout is going to be just phenomenal, we were waiting for this for so long,” another added.
There was lots of joy and celebration in the air, as some in the Sikh community say the event presents an opportunity to give back.
“It really brings the community together it showcases how many South Asians really live in the Lower Mainland…and how important this event is for the South Asian community,” one person told CityNews.
“Everybody’s just trying to help the community,” another said. “We’re just trying to share happiness, right? And that’s why we’re giving away food, drinks, whatever it is…everyone’s trying to help each other out.”
For thousands of years, Vaisakhi celebrations have marked the coming of a new year and spring harvest. More recently, it has become a day to mark the birth of the Khalsa fraternity.
“This tradition continues with much gaiety, vigour, and enthusiasm. Sikhs worldwide will spend much time remembering this most important day in their religious calendar – the day the Khalsa was created,” the Surrey Vaisakhi Parade said.
Surrey residents & visitors to our city are enjoying the sights, sounds & flavour of the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan (parade). pic.twitter.com/ZM3SaGSW8G
— Surrey RCMP (@SurreyRCMP) April 22, 2023
On top of the vibrant colours, joyful spirits, and visible cultural representation, there was one universal thing that helped bring people together — food.
We’re just gorgeous A vegan burger outing with @JamzKaur because Vaisakhi isn’t the same without her I’ve lost count of how many we’re up to now but it’s a meet up tradition that makes me happy <>< pic.twitter.com/wdV0x9QLv8
— Rev Suzanne Vernon-Yorke (@Suzanne_VY) April 22, 2023
The celebration also included community performers and live music.
-With files from Charlie Carey
