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Surrey, British Columbia, became a sea of vibrant colours, spiritual unity, and celebration on Saturday as more than 600,000 people gathered for the city’s annual Vaisakhi Khalsa Day parade — the largest of its kind in Canada and, according to organizers, possibly the world.
Vaisakhi is a significant festival in Sikhism, celebrating both the spring harvest and the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 — a pivotal moment in Sikh history that defined its spiritual and martial identity. The Surrey parade, now in its 27th year, began and ended at Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar, with a grand procession featuring floats, music, and the generous tradition of langar, or free communal meals, offered to all.
Moninder Singh, spokesperson for the B.C. Gurdwaras Council, emphasized the inclusive nature of the event: “The Khalsa’s virtues are about standing for humanity and rights for all — regardless of background, faith, or gender.”
Community volunteers powered the event, with people like Fruiticana owner Tony Singh serving tens of thousands of meals. “It’s amazing to see everyone come together with so much energy and love,” he said.
The scale of the celebration required extensive coordination. Surrey Police Chief Norm Lipinski noted that preparations had been underway for eight months, with resources brought in from other jurisdictions to ensure public safety.
The parade also carried political and emotional weight this year. Dedicated to the memory of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh leader from Surrey whose killing Canadian officials have linked to Indian government interference, the event served not only as a celebration but also a moment of unity and reflection.
Leaders from across political spheres, including B.C. Premier David Eby and federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, joined in the parade. Singh remarked on the emotional atmosphere and the strong connection he felt with the community.
Vaisakhi in Surrey continues to be a unique blend of celebration, service, spirituality, and activism — attracting people from all walks of life and reinforcing the city’s position as a center of Sikh culture in Canada.
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