Hundreds of thousands expected for Surrey’s annual Vaisakhi parade Saturday

The Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade kicked off Saturday, celebrating one of the most important days in the Sikh calendar.

Organizers say Surrey’s event is the largest Vaisakhi parade in the world, with around 500,000 attendees every year and lasting several hours.

“The Parade begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Gurdwara Sahib Darbar (12885 85th Avenue, Surrey) and travels along 124th Street, turns left onto 75th Avenue, continues on 76th Avenue onto 128th Street then returns to the Temple at approximately 5:00 p.m.,” they said.

Sikhs around the world have celebrated the annual event since 1699, according to event organizers. The Surrey parade has been running for 25 years.

This isn’t the first major Vaisakhi event in the Lower Mainland this year. Last week, thousands filled the streets of South Vancouver to take part in a festival and parade that has been held annually since 1979.

Throughout Saturday, several road closures in the area will be in effect until 5 p.m. Organizers say access to 128th Street and other sections along the parade route will be impacted, with further delays throughout the area from 72nd Avenue to 88th Avenue and from Scott Road to King George Highway.

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