The largest Vaisakhi parade in the world is taking place in Surrey this spring, and organizers are expecting to draw another huge turnout for the festivities.
Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade, organized by Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar, will take place on Saturday, April 18.
Over 600,000 people are expected to attend the parade that is full of colourful floats, live music and dancers, as well as community groups.
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For Sikhs in B.C. and around the world, Vaisakhi is a religious celebration. The holy day commemorates the birth or establishment of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Sikh Guru, in 1699.
The Vaisakhi parade will begin at the Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar Temple in Surrey.
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The procession with over 2,500 participants will travel along 124th Street and then turn left onto 75th Avenue. It continues on 76th Avenue and onto 128th Street before winding its way back to the Temple.
Hundreds of booths along the parade route, sponsored by local businesses and families, will provide free food and treats to the gathered crowds.
“Due to the anticipated size of this year’s event, organizers of the parade are reminding those wishing to participate in the parade by giving out food must submit an application to Fraser Health as soon as possible (application forms are located on the SurreyVaisakhiParade.com website) in order to allow processing time,” said organizers.
Those without a permit will not be allowed to distribute food on the event day.
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In Sikhism, only vegetarian meals are served at temples and faith-based events such as Vaisakhi.
Serving free meals to the community is an act of seva and langar — two significant aspects of the Sikh religion.
Seva translates to selfless service, and langar is the term used to describe the common kitchen where food is served at a gurdwara (Sikh temple).
Most gurdwaras have a larger langar hall where people of all backgrounds, races, and religions are welcome to enjoy a free communal vegetarian meal.
Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade 2026 will also feature live music and community performers throughout the event.
When: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Starts at the Gurdwara Dasmesh Darbar – 12885 85th Ave., Surrey
Cost: Free