ON Saturday, April 12, thousands of residents and visitors will gather in the heart of South Vancouver to celebrate Vaisakhi, an important religious occasion for the Sikh community.

Vaisakhi celebrates the creation of the Khalsa, a spiritual order founded by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, a defining moment in Sikh history. Vaisakhi also marks the beginning of the spring harvest in Punjab. The Vancouver Vaisakhi Festival and Parade has been held annually since 1979, with a pause during the pandemic.

“We wish the Sikh community, along with all those joining in the celebrations, a joyful and safe Vaisakhi and Nagar Kirtan,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim. “Vancouver’s diversity is the foundation of our strength, vibrancy, and prosperity. This parade encourages all Vancouverites to unite in honouring the rich heritage of the Sikh community and celebrating this inclusive and meaningful event that brings us together.”

The festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 12. Be sure to check the parade route and learn more about the event, says the City.

To help with the parade, there will be road closures on Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the following areas:

• Main Street closed from East 49th Avenue to SE Marine Drive
• Fraser Street closed from East 41st Avenue to SE Marine Drive
• Westbound SE Marine Drive closed from Knight Street to Main Street
• 57th Avenue closed from Knight Street to Ontario Street

Drivers in and around these areas should plan ahead and expect delays. Pay attention to all parking regulations including “No Parking” signs. Find information on parking near the event.

To make sure the parade goes as smoothly as possible, attendees are encouraged to:

• Walk, bike, roll or take transit if possible.
• Be mindful of road closures and give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go.
• Put waste in its place: use the nearest garbage bin or take your waste home with you. Extra waste bins will be provided for this event.
• Be respectful of the neighbourhood and keep noise to a minimum.

• Plan ahead and expect delays.
• Follow all detours and pay attention to all parking regulations including “No Parking” signs.
• Learn more about road closures across the city.
• Open your map app, follow #VanTraffic or use traffic cameras to check traffic conditions along your route.
• Visit translink.ca/alerts for changes or disruptions to your bus service.