Vaisakhi procession leaving the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara on Davis Road

Prince George, BC – With a small plane circling overhead and neighbours lining Davis Road, participants in this year’s Vaisakhi celebration began their procession from the Sikh temple…

Vaisakhi is one of the most important dates in the Sikh religious calendar, commemorating the birth of the religion.  Today’s parade marks the 314th anniversary of Khalsa Panth.

The parade began with a police escort and motorcade, followed by youngsters demonstrating Sikh sword fighting.  Photo at right shows procession making its way down Ospika Boulevard to CN Centre where festivities will continue until 4pm this afternoon. (click on photo for video clip)

At left, Sukh Kambo and Ruby Jassal take time out from preparations in the parking lot at CN Centre to catch a quick bite to eat before the crowd arrives.

The food is a highlight – with parade participants inviting those on the sidelines to come down and sample some of the delectable Indian dishes being served for free today.  Volunteers at the PG Sawmill Employees tent are serving chana masala – a chickpea stew – with naan bread and will hand out hundreds of platefuls before the afternoon is over.

Organizers say the celebration is open to the entire community and the photo below shows a few of the early arrivals…