Surrey's Vaisakhi parade hits new participation record

Surreystreets were saw more than 350,000 peoplefor the18th annual Vaisakhi parade on Saturday, April 23 one of the largest celebrations outside of India, said event organizers who added that this year's attendance is a new record for the event.

In 2015, 300,000 people attended.

Vaisakhi marks the birth of the Sikh faith, the creation of the Khalsa and pays tribute to the start of Punjabi harvest. It's one of the most significant dates in the year for Sikhs.

"It feels wonderful. It feels like we're celebrating the way we do back home," saidparticipantParmbirKahlon, who is of Indian descent.

"It's important to celebrateso thateveryone recognizes their origin, where they came from, what their culture, what their religion is all about."

Celebrations started at 9 a.m. PT at the GurdwaraSahib Dasmesh Darbarlocated on85thAvenue. The parade route circledback to the temple at around 5 p.m. PT.

At least 20 community groups marchedin the parade ranging from the Sikh Motorcycle Club to Har JusKirtan, a 100-member team who performed traditional Sikh hymns.

Students from several Khalsa schools in B.C. sang traditional songs and played music throughout the parade. Many also practiced gatka, a martial art that includes spinning colourful chakars.

Tents lined the streets with families and businesses handing out free food in the Sikh spirit of service and generosity. Reflecting the welcoming nature of the event, everything from pizza to curries were offered.

"This is not just a Sikh event," said parade organizer Moninder Singh."The Sikh community may host the event, but it's for everyone."

Because of the numbers of pedestrians, traffic in the area was halted byRCMPstarting at 7:30 a.m. PT., according tothe parade's website.

Vehicle access to 128th Street and the parade route waslimited. Delays were also experienced at72ndAvenue to 88th Avenue, andScott Road to King George Highway.