Surrey Vaisakhi parade draws hundreds of thousands

Hundreds of thousands of people are takingpart in today's Vaisakhi parade in Surrey, one of the largest Vaisakhi celebrations in the world outside of India.

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Every April, millions of Sikhs world-wide celebrate Vaisakhi Day, which marks the beginning of the Punjabi harvest year. It is considered one of the most important festivals in the Sikh calendar, with parades across the globe. Last year up to 250,000 people attended Surrey's Vaisakhi parade.

Along with Sikhs, people of all cultures are welcome at the event, which beings at the Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar Temple at 12885 85th Ave. in Surrey.

The parade features floats, community groups, live music, dancers and performers. They will travel along 124th Street, turn left on 75th Avenue, follow along76th Avenue, thenonto 128th Street and then back to the temple.

Road closures are in effect from 7:30a.m. PT to 5p.m. PT

Surrey RCMP, who are participating in the parade, are askingfamilies to keep an eyeon their children.

Police say children in large crowds are easily separated from their parents andthey respond to dozens of suchat the Vaisakhi parade every year.

Here are a few tips from the Surrey RCMP:

• Equip children with some form of identification and contact information
• Point out the Surrey RCMP's missing children's tent and emergency services personnel
• Keep a current photo of yourchild withyou in case you need to describe them to police
• Keep your child within eyesight at all times

Happy Vaisakhi!