Thousands attend ‘worlds largest’ Khalsa Day Vaisakhi parade in Surrey
Published 1:54 pm Saturday, April 18, 2026
Hundreds of thousands of people filled the streets of Surrey’s Newton neighbourhood Saturday (April 18) for the annual Vaisakhi Parade, or nagar kirtan.
The float-filled parade began at around 9 a.m. the Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar Temple (12885 85 Ave., Surrey), travelling along 124 Street to 75 Avenue, then along 76 Avenue, and finally on 128 Street before returning to the temple later in the day.
Organizers said over 450,000 guests attended the 27th annual Nagar Kirtan event throughout the day, which remains the largest Khalsa Day parade in the world.
Parade spokesperson Moninder Singh said, “This event continues to be a meaningful way to share Sikh culture, values, and history with the broader community.”
“Every April, millions of Sikhs worldwide celebrate Vaisakhi Day, a day that marks the establishment of the Khalsa order by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji (10th Sikh Guru) in 1699. Considered one of the most important days in the Sikh calendar, Nagar Kirtans (community religious parades) celebrating the event are held in Sikh communities around the world,” said the organizers in a post on surreyvaisakhiparade.com. “This year the parade was dedicated to the memory of Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar.”
Nijjar, 45, was shot to death on June 18, 2023, in the parking lot of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, in the 7000-block of Scott Road in Newton. He was found in his truck.
Hundreds of thousands of people filled the streets of Surrey’s Newton neighbourhood Saturday (April 18) for the annual Vaisakhi Parade, or nagar kirtan. pic.twitter.com/rVrTghpc3B
— Anna Burns (@AnnaBBurns) April 18, 2026
Hundreds of booths line the route as businesses and families hand out food and treats to parade-goers.
Parade entry was open to any community groups, such as marching bands, school groups, cultural groups, community organizations, performers, organizations and many others.
Participants were requested to cover their heads and not to smoke or drink at the event.
“The procession featured more than 20 elaborately decorated floats presented by Sikh schools, community organizations, and humanitarian groups. At the heart of the parade was the float carrying the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Sikh holy scripture, honoured with the utmost respect throughout the day,” said organizers.
Some roads were losed from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m., with significant delays expected between 72 Avenue and 88 Avenue, and Scott Road to King George Boulevard.
Residents in traffic-restricted areas must carry a driver’s licence with a current address to access their homes at police checkpoints.
Security along the parade route was beefed up this year in light of the Lapu Lapu Filipino festival tragedy in Vancouver almost one year ago where 11 people were killed and 32 injured when a car was driven through a crowded street.
-With files from Tom Zillich & Tom Zytaruk