Image: Surrey RCMP / Mounties in Surrey say they're gearing up for the largest Vaisakhi Day Parade in North America this weekend. Every April, millions of Sikhs worldwide celebrate Vaisakhi Day, a day that commemorates the new year. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Vaisaikhi Parade

Largest Vaisakhi Day Parade in North America happens this weekend in the Fraser Valley

Apr 16, 2024 | 8:44 AM

SURREY — Mounties in Surrey say they’re gearing up for the largest Vaisakhi Day Parade in North America this weekend, where approximately 500,000 people attend Surrey’s annual parade.

Every April, millions of Sikhs worldwide celebrate Vaisakhi Day, a day that commemorates the new year. Considered one of the most important festivals in the Sikh calendar, parades celebrating the event are held in Sikh communities around the world.

According to a news release from Corporal Sarbjit K. Sangha, media relations spokesperson for the Surrey RCMP, Surrey’s Vaisakhi Day Parade is one of the largest Vaisakhi celebrations in the world outside of Punjab, India. The parade is a major attraction for the city, drawing visitors from across Canada and the United States.

Cpl. Sangha says the Vaisakhi Parade, which started in 1998, has brought people together from all walks of life. All members of the public are welcomed with open arms by the Sikh community.

“It is our honour to be part of Vaisakhi Parade (Nagar Kirtan) as we work with our partners in the community to keep this event safe for everyone and be part of the parade,” Cpl. Sangha said.

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Police say having a plan in place with your family and friends prior to the event can be very helpful to ensure everyone stays safe throughout the celebration. With large crowds of easily over 100,000 people, it can be easy for people to become separated from their group. During previous Vaisakhi celebrations, the Surrey RCMP has responded to dozens of incidents of missing children or seniors.

A safety plan may include these simple tips:

• Take a family photo before you leave the house, this will help in locating them if needed;
• Familiarize your family members with their surroundings and have a pre-planned meeting place;
• Equip your family members with some form of identification and your contact information;
• Keep a current photo of your child on you in case you need to describe them to police;
• Keep your children within eyesight at all times;
• If a family member goes missing, notify the nearest police officer;
• If you live in the area that has been closed to traffic, please have your driver’s license with current address to provide to police at check points in order to get to your residence.

A number of road closures will be taking place in the City of Surrey this weekend due to the parade. Police ask that motorists make arrangements to use alternate routes.

On the day of the parade, road closures will be in effect from 72 Avenue to 88 Avenue, and between 132 Street and 122 Street starting at 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. Travel delays may be expected between 72 Avenue to 88 Avenue, and Scott Road to King George Boulevard.

For a full list of road closures and route details, please visit the City of Surrey’s website.
More information on the event can also be found at www.surreyvaisakhiparade.com.

If members of the public have any issues with parking, and or any concerns regarding the content on display at the parade, please call Surrey Bylaws at 604-591-4370. Call 9-1-1 to report a crime in progress or an immediate threat to a person or property.