Vancouver celebrates a colourful and joyful Vaisakhi

The annual Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan celebrated with much joy and vigour in Vancouver once again displayed the generosity and togetherness of the Sikh community. Hundreds of thousands came out to celebrate the harvest festival that also marks the New Year and the birth of the Khalsa in 1699.

Individuals ranging from politicians to business men to children were all in high spirits that the festival brings along and started gathering at the Ross Street Gurudwara in the morning. After everyone submitted their prayers at the Gurudwara, Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji left the temple’s gates on top of a float headed by a contingent of individuals dressed in traditional Sikh warrior attire, including five individuals portraying the ‘Panj Pyare.’ The Nagar Kirtan procession followed the holy book with floats of varying sizes and colours, decorated vehicles and parade attendees.

"Vaisakhi is an important reminder of the proud and enduring Sikh culture.  For over a century, your contributions to British Columbia have enriched us all. Thank you for all you have done, and continue to do, to grow our economy and strengthen our communities," BC Premier Christy Clark said in a statement.

"I am proud that British Columbia is home to the largest Vaisakhi celebration in North America. I encourage all British Columbians to take part in local celebrations."

"On behalf of all British Columbians, I wish you prosperity, health and happiness as you celebrate with your friends, family and community, and for the coming year," Clark added.

The Nagar Kirtan commenced on Ross Street, and headed south to SE Marine Drive towards Main Street, then headed up north on Main Street towards 49^th Avenue. The Punjabi Market was the centre of the parade where the hustle and bustle was mixed with the numerous food stalls and entertainment.

Here after, the Nagar Kirtan went along 49^th Avenue to Fraser Street, and headed south towards 57^th Avenue to Ross Street. The Granth returned to Ross Street Temple marking the conclusion of the procession. Vaisakhi is one of the longest parade routes in BC at 6 kilometres.  

DARPAN Magazine participated in the Nagar Kirtan, and the team handed out copies of the special Vaisakhi collector’s issue, which went out like hot cakes to parade attendees. Look out for DARPAN’s team at the upcoming Nagar Kirtan in Surrey on Saturday, April 19th to get your copy of the Vaisakhi collector’s issue.