World’s largest Vaisakhi celebration returns to Surrey Saturday

One of the most important festivals in the Sikh calendar returns to Surrey Saturday, as the world’s largest Vaisakhi celebration marks its comeback after an extended COVID-19 hiatus.

Around 500,000 people attend the annual Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade, and this year is set to be no different.

With the festivities mostly being centered at the Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar on 85th Avenue near 128th Street, celebration goers can expect floats, community performers, and live music.

Wow! Over 500,000 people Really did come out for Vasaikhi in Surrey. BMO tent was a favorite, offering lots of fun as we handed out great treats and played games. Thank you to all the volunteers. pic.twitter.com/ApEeGk87mN

— Harby (@Harby321) April 22, 2018

For thousands of years, Vaisakhi celebrations have marked the coming of a new year and spring harvest, and more recently in the last 300 years, 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.

Speaking to OMNI, Surrey RCMP Cpl. Sarbit Sangha says police expect the celebration to be peaceful, but busy.

“We are fully aware of some tension that’s been happening in our community as well, that’s coming from Punjab. We are aware of the movement, we are aware of the protest. As long as the protests are peaceful we will not be intervening,” she said.

SURREY VASAIKHI PARADE NEWS
Visit the Surrey Board of Trade Tent tomorrow on April 22 at 124 Street and 82 Avenue. We will have balloons and apples. @SBofT @CityofSurrey pic.twitter.com/0GFaA7o0pj

— Anita Huberman (@anitahuberman) April 21, 2023

The “tension” surrounds the push for an independent homeland for Sikhs in India.

“At any time, if we feel that the protest is going to lead into any assaults, any violence, that will not be tolerated and action will be taken accordingly.”

Sangha says the police force has been preparing for months in anticipation of the festival, and “we have the resources in place to make sure that this is a safe event for all.”

With the parade beginning after 9 a.m., road closures will be in place from 7:30 a.m. Saturday morning.

Surrey RCMP expects the closures to finish at around 5 p.m. and is warning that 128th Street will be impacted most significantly. It is also warning of delays between 72nd Avenue to 88th Avenue, and Scott Road to King George Highway. More information on road closures can be found here.