The 45th annual Vaisakhi parade in Vancouver attracts thousands of attendees
Nearly 200,000 individuals gathered in South Vancouver over the weekend to take part
Vancouver: Nearly 200,000 individuals gathered in South Vancouver over the weekend to participate in Vancouver's 45th annual Vaisakhi parade and festival.
On April 14, devotees started reaching the Khalsa Diwan Society temple, marking the beginning of a sacred journey. Later, a vibrant procession, the Nagar Kirtan, traversed through the bustling streets of Marine Drive to Main Street, onward to 49th Avenue, and back to the temple precincts, weaving through the iconic Punjabi Market neighbourhood, steeped in historical significance.
For millennia, Vaisakhi has heralded the arrival of a new agricultural season, as farmers across regions put the sickle to harvest and rejoice in the onset of a fresh year. However, since 1699, this auspicious occasion has held an added significance for the Sikh community.
Vaisakhi is now a momentous day marked by heightened jubilation, ceremony, and reverence. It commemorates the birth of the Khalsa brotherhood, a pivotal event in Sikh history. Centuries later, this tradition perseveres with zeal and enthusiasm, captivating Sikhs worldwide. As they commemorate this significant milestone in their religious calendar, the creation of the Khalsa remains a cornerstone of their collective identity, celebrated with sincere devotion and spirited festivities.
Vaisakhi is marked by colourful processions and the practice of serving free meals to the community in acts of seva (serving) and langar (food), two significant aspects of the Sikh religion. The parade traveled through the historic Punjabi Market district in South Vancouver, closing roads and rerouting buses for a good part of the day.