Surrey’s biggest event of the year, the annual Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan takes place on April 18 and Surrey police is offering safety tips to make it a great event for all. As the vibrant Vaisakhi festival approaches, Surrey Police Service (SPS) said it will be supported by officers from several other Lower Mainland police agencies and integrated units. They will be on site providing public safety support and traffic control for the Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade on Saturday, April 18. SPS looks forward to celebrating this annual event with the community and is sharing important safety and travel information to help ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

SURREY – Surrey’s biggest event of the year, the annual Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan takes place on April 18 and Surrey police is offering safety tips to make it a great event for all.

As the vibrant Vaisakhi festival approaches, Surrey Police Service (SPS) said it will be supported by officers from several other Lower Mainland police agencies and integrated units. They will be on site providing public safety support and traffic control for the Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade on Saturday, April 18. SPS looks forward to celebrating this annual event with the community and is sharing important safety and travel information to help ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration.

Surrey’s Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade is one of the largest Vaisakhi celebrations in the world, drawing tens of thousands of attendees from across the Lower Mainland and beyond. SPS has developed a comprehensive public safety plan in collaboration with the City of Surrey and event organizers, incorporating provincial recommendations for large public gatherings.

SPS officers will be supported by officers from Delta Police Department, New Westminster Police Department, Abbotsford Police Department, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, Lower Mainland District Integrated Tactical Troop, Lower Mainland District Integrated Emergency Response Team, and Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service.

 “Surrey Police Service officers, employees, and volunteers, as well as officers from a number of other local police agencies and units, look forward to joining families, businesses, and visitors at this year’s Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade in Surrey,” says Staff Sergeant Lindsey Houghton, SPS Senior Media Relations Officer. “As thousands of people attend this parade each year, we encourage everyone to plan ahead with family and friends so they can fully enjoy the celebration.”

Each year, police respond to reports of missing children and elderly persons during Vaisakhi celebrations. Large crowds can make it easy for people to quickly become separated, so advance planning is essential.

Safety tips for families and groups:

*Take a group photo before arriving at the Parade to help identify missing loved ones if needed.

*Review the Parade route and surrounding areas and choose a pre-arranged meeting location.

*Ensure everyone carries identification; place contact information in children’s pockets or shoes.

*Keep a recent photo of your child with you.

*Keep children within eyesight at all times.

*Notify the nearest police officer immediately if someone goes missing.

*Leave pets at home, as crowds and noise may cause distress.

 Traffic and road closures:

Road closures will be in place throughout Surrey over the weekend. On parade day, closures will begin at 6:00 am and full closures in place from 7:45 am to 6:00 pm, with significant delays expected between 72 Avenue and 88 Avenue, and Scott Road to King George Boulevard. The public is encouraged to plan alternate routes.

Residents driving in traffic-restricted areas must carry a driver’s licence with a current address to access their homes at police checkpoints. For a full list of road closures and route details, visit: Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade | City of Surrey.

Parking passes are required for businesses and staff working during the Parade to access closed areas and parking. 2026 parking passes allow vehicle access to the parade route until 7:00 am only; no vehicles, business or personnel, will be permitted on the route after 7:00 am or during the event.

Only staff from businesses within the parade route restricted area will qualify for parking passes. Parking passes issued to business operators and staff will only be allowed into the “soft closure zone.” Business owners and employees working during the Parade can visit Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade | Surrey Police to request a parking pass.