Vaisakhi parade travels along Ospika Boulevard to CN Centre

Prince George, BC –  With bystanders lining the route, the Guru Nanak Darbar Society hosted its annual Vaisakhi parade from the Gurdwara on Davis Road to CN Centre.

Vaisakhi is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar, marking the New Year.  It also commemorates the birth of Sikhism, which originated in 1699 and is celebrated around the world.

Bally Bassi is one of the many local organizers involved in today’s celebrations.  Bassi says between one- to two-thousand people take part in the parade. 

"This is the whole Sikh community taking pride and joy in their culture and their religion," she says.  "There’s an estimated four busloads of people coming from out of town, as well, to join in the celebrations."

"It’s quite exciting – a lot of food is being made and shared, and all that good stuff," adds Bassi.  She emphasizes that the whole community is invited to take part in celebrations going on in the parking lot at CN Centre until 4pm this afternoon.

"It’s definitely open to all of the community to allow people to sort of appreciate the diversity and also to celebrate with Sikhs from the community."