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    Surrey Vaisakhi parade draws 550,000

    Ish Sharma Darpan, 24 Apr, 2024 10:24 AM
    • Surrey Vaisakhi parade draws 550,000

    One of the most anticipated multicultural events of the Lower Mainland the Surrey Vaisakhi Parade was celebrated over the weekend. 

    Canada’s largest Vaisakhi Parade outside of Punjab, India took place on Saturday, April 20th, in Surrey, and was attended by 550,000 people. 

    Vaisakhi is a significant festival in Sikhism and Punjab, commemorating the harvest season and the birth of the Khalsa, the community of baptized Sikhs. The festival has gained prominence in Canada, especially in British Columbia, home to the largest Sikh population outside of India.

    Surrey residents were excited to be a part of the parade once again and dressed up in colourful traditional attire. 

    The parade route started at the Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar, one of the largest Sikh temples in North America, on 128th street and 85th Ave, and wound through the streets of Surrey, attracting participants and spectators from all over the Lower Mainland and beyond.

    Road closures were in place from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm on the day of the parade. 128th Street was closed and detours were in place between 72 Avenue to 88 Avenue, and Scott Road to King George Boulevard.

    The colorful and vibrant community event started building around 8:30am and saw volunteers and local businesses enthusiastically handing out treats and food to attendees in order to make it an enjoyable and memorable experience. The Sikh Motorcycle club was also present to savour the joyous atmosphere. 

    To ensure the event ran smoothly  Surrey Fire Service, Surrey RCMP, Surrey Police Service, Surrey Bylaws and BC Ambulance Service were also on scene.

    High profile politicians such as the Opposition leader of the BC United Party, Kevin Falcon, MLA Jinny Sims, and Minister of Labour Harry Bains were in attendance at the parade along with Minister of Trade, Jagrup Brar. 

    The Darpan Magazine team was at the parade in full force and parade goers were eager to pick up a copy of the special Vaisakhi issue of the magazine. 

    Darpan Magazine hopes to see more of you take part in the Vaisakhi celebration next year. 

     

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