Thousands of people flocked to the 45th annual Vaisakhi Parade and Festival in South Vancouver on Saturday.
Artist Jag Nagra with the Punjabi Market Collective said this event celebrates the coming together of the community.
“Punjabi Market is a historical neighbourhood,” she said. “It was the first Little India neighbourhood in all of North America. So, for people like my parents, my grandparents’ generation, they were able to come here to find a piece of home and a sense of belonging in a new country and a new city when they first arrived.”
Vaisakhi dates back to 1699 and celebrates the revelation of the Khalsa, which refers to the community that considers Sikhism its faith.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim issued an apology on Friday after referring to Vaisakhi as a large celebration with music and live performers.
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke also called her city’s Vaisakhi Parade a large party in a press conference on Tuesday.
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The Sikh community has raised concerns about the comments of both mayors, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment.
The Sikh Community of B.C. accused cities of co-opting Vaisakhi for profit.
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