Thousands celebrate birth of Sikh faith at Surrey's annual Vaisakhi parade
The event is considered one of the biggest outside of India
In the Newton area of Surrey B.C. on Saturday thousands of people participated in one of the largest Vaisakhi parades outside of India.
Vaisakhi celebrates the beginning of the Punjabi harvest and marks the birth of the Sikh faith. Organizers estimate around 500,000 people take part in the annual parade.
🔶Vaisakhi in Surrey🔶 <a href="https://t.co/ndvqa1Sfl9">pic.twitter.com/ndvqa1Sfl9</a>
—@nairoshiniThe parade began 9 a.m. PT at the Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar, located at 12885 85th Ave., and will conclude there at approximately 6 p.m.
It is known for its bright colours, festive floats, and delicious (free!) food, that is handed out by businesses and families.
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jalebidabba?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#jalebidabba</a> action at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vaisakhi2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vaisakhi2018</a> Lots of tasty treats here and these hot crispy syrupy delights are right up there <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SurreyBC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SurreyBC</a> <a href="https://t.co/m29mHsDCUU">pic.twitter.com/m29mHsDCUU</a>
—@MeerakatiThis year, two brothers from Surrey are hoping businesses and families who serve up free food at the parade find alternatives to Styrofoam to cut down on the waste headed to the landfill.
There are road closures in place for the parade and the event, which spans from 71B Avenue to 87B Avenue and between 124 and 134 Streets.
TransLink says detours are impacting the 323, 324 and 329 routes.
