THE Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade, the largest in the world, will return to the streets of Surrey on Saturday, April 22, following three years of cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a press statement.
Event organizers Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar expect the parade will draw in excess of 500,000 guests from around the world to gather along the route. The parade itself features a colourful and entertaining procession of over 2,500 participants representing 20 community organizations. Hundreds of booths along the route, sponsored by local businesses and families give away free food and treats to onlookers.
“After having to cancel the parade and the other weekend celebrations for the past three years, we know that the community locally in BC as well as guests who travel from as far away as across the US, Europe and Australia will be thrilled to hear that the 2023 Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade is definitely back on,” says Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar President Gurdeep Singh Samra.
“We are expecting significant crowds to gather to celebrate this important event in the Sikh calendar, and we look forward to welcoming people of all ages and ethnicities to celebrate along with us at this free, family-friendly event.”
The Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar, along with a number of supporting agencies including Fraser Health, the Surrey RCMP, and the City of Surrey (including City of Surrey Bylaws office) are reminding businesses and individuals participating in the parade-route kiosks and stands to observe safe practices. All of these practices and other detailed information, including the parade route map, can be found outlined in detail on the parade website at: SurreyVaisakhiParade.ca
The parade will begin at the Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar Temple (12885 85th Avenue in Surrey). The parade, which features a variety of floats, community groups, live music and dancers and performers, will travel along 124 Street, turn left onto 75 Avenue, continue on 76 Avenue, onto 128 Street, then back to the Temple.
