'You unite together': Khalsa Day parade brings thousands to downtown Toronto

Showers of yellow flags flooded Toronto's streets Sunday as thousands from the Sikh community attended the Khalsa Day parade. 

Khalsa Day, also known as Vaisakhi, marks the Sikh New Year along with the establishment of the Sikh community all the way back in 1699, according to the Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwaras Council (OSGC).

The annual parade along Lake Shore Boulevard has become one of the biggest events in the city since it began in 1986, according to the OSGC. People flocked the streets waving the Sikh flag, with a marching band playing tunes accompanying large vehicles adorned with colourful decorations. 

"We have a very rich and very brave history," said Manjit Parmar, an event co-ordinator for the OSGC.  

"Inclusiveness is a big part of Sikhism and that's what we are here to celebrate along with everybody else in Toronto," he said. 

Tajinder Singh, who made his way from Brampton for the parade, says this day always feels special because of how it brings people together. 

"When you leave your country and when you're in Canada, this is very important. You unite together," he said. 

The parade started from the Canadian National Exhibition at 1 p.m. as the large group made its way east to city hall, where dignitaries addressed the crowd.

Those who didn't attend the parade might have had a hard time navigating around the city as there were several street closures across the downtown core. 

Portions of Lake Shore Boulevard West, York Street, University Avenue and Queen Street West were closed until the late afternoon, with Queen Street West remaining closed between Bay and York Streets until 9 p.m., according to police. 

The parade comes just a day after an SUV slammed into a crowd at the Filipino Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, killing 11 people and injuring multiple others. 

In a post to X, Toronto police said "our priority is to maintain a safe environment for everyone. Officers will be present to provide security, manage traffic, and support this important cultural celebration." 

Parmar said they were in constant touch with police throughout the day and were told there were no threats. As of Sunday afternoon, police reported no incidents.