Thousands more people are expected to be drawn to Surrey this weekend for Vaisakhi festivities celebrating the birth of the Sikh religion.
An estimated 50,000 people flooded streets surrounding Vancouver's Ross Street Temple last Saturday to observe one of the most important holidays on the Sikh calendar.
Because the Vancouver event was held a week earlier than usual, organizers of the Surrey parade and related events expect more people to be part of festivities here this Saturday (April 17).
"I think there will be more people out this year, because the Vancouver parade was held last weekend. Last year, it was held on the same day," said Pary Dulai, lead organizer of Saturday's Vaisakhi parade, said.
This is Dulai's fourth year as chief planner of Surrey's Vaisakhi festivities. A full day of action is promised, including nighttime fireworks (starting at 9 p.m.) and carnival rides on the grounds of Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar Temple, 12885 85th Ave.
The parade follows the same circular path through Newton as last year, along 128th Street, 76th Avenue, 124th Street and 82nd Avenue. The main stage area is located at 7750 128th St.
More businesses and organizations were keen to get involved in the parade this year, Dulai said.
"The Cloverdale Rodeo will have a float in it, for example, and horses," he said. "There are 20 parade entrants. It's more of a procession, though, with people joining in."
Every year in April, millions of Sikhs around the world celebrate the birth of the Sikh identity.
In Surrey, the parade and related events not only celebrate the Sikh faith, they embrace diversity and multiculturalism.
with thanks : source : vancouversun.com
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