VANCOUVER’S Khalsa Diwan Society (Ross Street Gurdwara) will hold its annual Vaisakhi celebrations on Saturday, April 13, which will include as usual a parade that attracts around 200,000 people.

The Prime Minister, the B.C. Premier, other leaders of provincial and federal parties as well as ministers, MPs, MLAs and other dignitaries attend the ceremonies every year.

Vaisakhi is a very important day for the Sikhs and one of the most colourful events in the Sikh calendar. It occurs during mid-April every year and traditionally coincides in Punjab with the first harvesting of the crops for the year.

So historically, Vaisakhi has been a very joyous occasion and a time for celebration. Since 1699, it has marked the very significant religious event of the creation of the Khalsa.

The Khalsa Diwan Society is a pioneer Sikh society and was formally established in 1906. In 1908, the Society built the first Sikh Gurdwara at 1866 West 2nd Avenue in Vancouver. This Gurdwara served the community until 1970, when the new Ross Street (now Khalsa Diwan Road) location was opened.

The Society has played a major role in the social and economic development of Canadian society, raising Sikhi- and humanitarian-related issues and getting recognition for Sikhs in Canada.

The Program:

7-9 a.m. – Kirtan (Hymn singing) at Ross Street Gurdwara

9-9:30 a.m. – Reception for dignitaries

9:30-10:30 – Speeches

10:45 a.m. – Ardas

11 a.m. – Parade / Nagar Kirtan