The first of the big Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan celebrations concluded in South Vancouver on Friday as the biggest gathering for commemorating the birth of Sikhism – The Khalsa Day parade takes place in Surrey this Saturday. It was a beautiful day on Saturday as big crowds took in the celebrations in Vancouver which is organized by Khalsa Diwan Society, Vancouver, the oldest Sikh Society in North America. It was a diverse affair but had political overtones as well with solid participation by pro-Khalistan forces who also brought their message to the crowds even though the Society is currently run by so-called moderates who are alleged to be cosy with Indian government officials.

By PD Raj – Senior Reporter DESIBUZZCanada

SOUTH VANCOUVER – The first of the big Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan celebrations concluded in South Vancouver on Friday as the biggest gathering for commemorating the birth of Sikhism – The Khalsa Day parade takes place in Surrey this Saturday.

It was a beautiful day on Saturday as big crowds took in the celebrations in Vancouver which is organized by Khalsa Diwan Society, Vancouver, the oldest Sikh Society in North America.

It was a diverse affair but had political overtones as well with solid participation by pro-Khalistan forces who also brought their message to the crowds even though the Society is currently run by so-called moderates who are alleged to be cosy with Indian government officials.

BC Premier David Eby also sent his greetings on celebrating Vaisakhi:

“Sikhs in British Columbia will join those around the world today in celebrating Vaisakhi.

“One of the holiest days in the Sikh calendar, Vaisakhi commemorates the creation of the order of the Khalsa by the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, more than three centuries ago. The order of the Khalsa gave the Sikh community a unique identity and bestowed on it a code of conduct that every Sikh is expected to follow.

“Vaisakhi is a time for family and friends to gather in worship and celebration. People will pray at gurdwaras, participate in parades and attend other happy gatherings.

“This day is also a time to recognize and honour the values at the heart of Sikhism, such as equality, community and Seva – selfless service to others.

“April is also Sikh heritage month, a chance to recount the many contributions the Sikh community in B.C. – the largest outside of India – has made to building our province. We have all benefited.

“Vaisakhi is also celebrated in other parts of India as a harvest festival. People visit temples, gather for feasts and herald the arrival of spring.

“I wish everyone celebrating a joyous Vaisakhi.

“Vaisakhi Diyan Lakh Lakh Vadhaiyan!”