Surrey to Celebrate Creation of the Khalsa with 2015 Khalsa Day Parade

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This year’s special program emphasizes turbans and there will be special sessions at the temple for kids and adults In tying different types of Sikh headwear.

By R. Paul Dhillon

SURREY – North America’s biggest Sikh gathering – the Dashmesh Darbar organized Khalsa Day parade to be held next Saturday, April 18 set its course with the organizers announcing the special programs and events associated with the annual Vaisakhi gathering, including that they are only getting $35,000 discount on the City and police costs and not 50 percent off the nearly $300,000 the Society has to spend to organize the Nagar Kirtan, which last year attracted between 250,000-270,000 people.

At a media briefing for the grand announcement of the Nagar Kirtan Thursday afternoon, Dashmesh Darbar organizing committee told the media that last year an estimated $250,000-270,000 people attended, the largest in North America, even the world, including Punjab.

This kind unprecedented turnout has attracted world media attention with CNN and BBC airing segments of the procession.

The preparations for this year are already underway with programs beginning this Saturday for the parade. There will be fireworks and kids rides which are already set up and families can take part in them starting this weekend.

This year’s special program emphasizes turbans and there will be special sessions at the temple for kids and adults In tying different types of Sikh headwear.

Organizers also want Kesri colour turbans to shine on parade day and urge all Sikhs to wear them.

There is a Fraser Health food preparation license needed for those serving free food.

And as usual the Surrey parade organizers urge the community to not have song and dances along the parade route as it goes against Sikh Maryada and please show respect!

The Parade is acelebratory event to commemorate one of the most important days in the Sikh calendar, the creation of the Khalsa. The Khalsa was founded to fight adversity over 300 years ago and has since continued to be at the heart of Sikh faith. “Khalsa Saajna Divas” (Creation of the Khalsa) is celebrated worldwide to recognize the evolvement and importance of this heroic group of people.

It is an occasion of performance (no song and dance numbers though), live music, decorated floats and food and drink compliments of local residents and businesses. The annual Khalsa Day Parade invites people of all cultures and religions to experience the joyous day, learn about the Sikh faith and savour the unique food and entertainment.

Parade Route: The Khalsa Day Parade is scheduled to begin at approximately 9:30am at the Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar, located at 12885 85th Avenue. The Parade will conclude there at approximately 4:00pm (see map for route).

Main Stage Timeline:

•             11:00am-12:30pm – Kirtan/Dhadis (Devotional & Inspirational Sikh music)

•             12:30pm-1:30pm – Ceremony honouring community volunteers

•             1:30pm-2:30pm – Speaker series

For more information about the event including the parade route visit: www.surreyvaisakhiparade.ca.