FINAL preparations are underway for the annual Khalsa Day Parade, taking place on April 18 in Surrey. The city will once again host a lively and celebratory event to commemorate one of the most important days in the Sikh calendar, the creation of the Khalsa. The Khalsa was founded to fight adversity over 300 years ago and has since continued to be at the heart of Sikh faith. “Khalsa Saajna Divas” (Creation of the Khalsa) is celebrated worldwide to recognize the evolvement and importance of this heroic group of people.
The event has been held in Surrey for the past 16 years bringing together over 250,000 people in the largest Khalsa Day parade held outside of India. It is an occasion of performance, live music, decorated floats, and food and drink compliments of local residents and businesses. The annual Khalsa Day Parade invites people of all cultures and religions to experience the joyous day, learn about the Sikh faith and savour the unique food and entertainment.
As the event date approaches, organizers would like to remind those who will be involved in the parade to refrain from using helium balloons in order to decrease air pollution post-parade. It is also reminded that parking is extremely limited near the parade route, and attendees are encouraged to travel to the event via transit.
Parade Route:
The Khalsa Day Parade is scheduled to begin at approximately 9:30 a.m. at the Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar, located at 12885 85th Avenue. The parade will conclude there at approximately 4 p.m.
Main Stage Timeline:
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Kirtan / Dhadis (devotional and inspirational Sikh music)
12:30-1:30 p.m. – Ceremony honouring community volunteers
1:30-2:30 p.m. – Speakers
For more information about the event, including the parade route visit: www.surreyvaisakhiparade.ca.
