More than 200,000 spectators turned out for Vaisakhi Celebration Parade in British Columbia
Surrey vaisakhi parade drew spectators between 110,000 - 120,000 on April 07, 2007
Vancouver vaisakhi drew spectators between 100,000 - 120,000 on April 15, 2007

NRI sikh sangat of British Columbia celebrated Vaisakhi, Nagar Kirtan hosted by Surrey Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar Temple-12885-85th Ave, BC on April 07 and by Vancouver Ross Street SikhTemple on April 15, 2007

Surrey Gurdwara's eighth annual Vaisakhi parade on April 07, drew spectators close to 120,000 to the Newton area according to Kulwant Singh Johal, organizer of this Celebration. He said this report is collected from media and police sources. One media group told us that this is one of the biggest Sikh celebrations in the world. Surrey RCMP sent more than 100 police officers on hand to direct traffic and patrol the crowds.

Vancouver Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara celebrated a Vaisakhi parade on Saturday April 14, around Main Street & 49th Avenue.

One of the best things about Vaisakhi is the food. Every Punjabi restaurant and HOUSE along Main Street offers free food to passersby. There were varieties of curried chick peas, pakoras, samosas, Kashmiri chai, and other delights.

The celebration centrepiece is the parade, showcasing different Sikh communities. The parade, called Nagar Kritin, is led by men dressed in the traditional attire of the Khalsa carrying the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib. Unlike most parades there are few spectators: everyone is invited to walk in the procession.

The parade started at 10 a.m. at the Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar temple on 85th Avenue near 128th Street. The parade proceeded south along 128th, turn west along 76th Avenue, travel north along 124th Street, and then return east via 82nd Avenue. The area was closed to vehicle traffic from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 
Photo by RB_Oakes, VirtualTourist

Starting at 128 Street and 85 Avenue, you get to watch the parade while getting a taste of all kinds of free food, great music and Bhangra dancing. It’s definitely one of the most exciting events happening around town. Cross your fingers for a this event!

PREMIER EXTENDS VAISAKHI HOLIDAY WISHES TO B.C.

For Immediate Release

April 13, 2007
Office of the Premier

VANCOUVER – Premier Gordon Campbell released the following statement today wishing British Columbia’s Indo-Canadian community a happy Vaisakhi. The spring holiday historically was a harvest festival celebrating the Sikh New Year and is recognized both as the Sikh solar New Year and as the day Guru Gobind Singh Ji created the Khalsa to formalize the Sikh identity and protect their principles of humanity, equality and justice.

“Every year, Vaisakhi provides a powerful reminder of the vibrancy of B.C.’s Indo-Canadian community that contributes so greatly to the multicultural mosaic of this province. British Columbia’s quality of life is greatly enriched by the Sikh community and their social, economic, political and cultural contributions that provide a rich tapestry of diversity all British Columbians value.

“The celebration of Vaisakhi is firmly established as a key event in the Lower Mainland, drawing tens of thousands from across the province to the largest festival outside of India. The celebration symbolizes ethnic diversity and is an event appreciated by British Columbians and visitors of all backgrounds. It is a symbolic reflection of smaller celebrations held in temples and homes in communities throughout our province.

“The values of the Sikh faith, which include community service, hard work, an honest life and the quest for a better life for one’s children, are values all British Columbian families embrace. On behalf of all British Columbians, we hope it will be a year filled with promise and prosperity, health and happiness, family and friends. Vaisakhi Mubarak (Happy Vaisakhi).”