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Vaisakhi parade welcomes thousands to Surrey streets

Celebration of the harvest draws record-breaking crowds, is the largest parade outside India.
BOAZ JOSEPH / THE LEADER
Children perform during the Vaisakhi parade in Surrey on Saturday (April 23).


About 150,000 people – more than any previous year – took to the streets of Surrey on Saturday for the annual Vaisakhi parade and celebration.

Vaisakhi is a month-long spring celebration of the harvest. The parade, which traditionally attracts people from all over the Lower Mainland, celebrates the Khalsa, established in 1699 to fight discrimination, promote equality and uphold truth.

The parade began and ended at Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar on 85 Avenue near 128 Street, winding its way around the neighbourhood. Streets in the area were closed most of the day.

Community groups, businesses and individuals handed out free food and drinks to attendees throughout the day. Carnival rides and evening fireworks capped off the weekend celebration.

The local parade is the largest outside India.