After a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the vibrant and colorful Vaisakhi parades are back in Surrey and Vancouver, much to the delight of the local community. 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.
The parade starts at the Ross Street Sikh Temple and proceeds along Main Street, drawing thousands of people from diverse background. The parade features an impressive mix of traditional and modern elements, such as Gatka, Bhangra, and spirited singing. It is heartening to see each year how the parade culminates in a free community meal, or langar, where people of all faiths and backgrounds can sit together and share food as equals.
As the communities continue to recover from the pandemic and navigate the post-pandemic world, the Vaisakhi parades are a reminder of the enduring spirit of cultural and community celebration, and of the values of unity, diversity, and resilience that define Canadian society.