Thousands took the streets in the Burnside-Gorge neighbourhood on Sunday for Khalsa Day celebrations.
People shared food and music and enjoyed a colorful parade during the day-long Vaisakhi, a significant event for the Sikh community which is celebrated around the world with gatherings and prayers for a good year ahead. Victoria’s event is the largest on Vancouver Island.
The Gurdwara Singh Sabha Victoria — or Sikh Temple Victoria — has organized the Vaisakhi celebration for years. It marks the day in 1699 that the 10th Guru, Gobind Singh Ji, revealed the Khalsa, or Sikh Nation.
The Sikh community shows its charitable nature by preparing meals for anyone who arrives. The Gurdwara also passes on donations to local charities.
The celebrations were open to all at the gurdwara at 470 Cecelia Rd. A portion of Napier and Cecelia were closed to accommodate the event that saw multiple food and craft stalls, entertainment and kids’ games.
The parade on Sunday morning and early afternoon had spectators lining the route from Cecelia Road to Burnside Road, Alpha Street, Douglas Street, Finlayson Street and Jutland Road before returning to the gurdwara.
