Take a photo, bring ID: 500,000 people at Surrey’s Vaisakhi parade today

Published 5:00 am Saturday, April 18, 2026

Newton streets will be filled with close to 500,000 people today (Saturday, April 18) during Surrey’s annual Vaisakhi parade, or Khalsa Day nagar kirtan Sikh religious procession.

Some roads will be closed 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.

Police often respond to reports of missing children and elderly people during the massive day-long parade, which starts at Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar Temple (12885 85 Ave.) and circles the area. Click here to see the parade map.

“Large crowds can make it easy for people to quickly become separated, so advance planning is essential,” police warn.

Parade safety tips from Surrey Police:

• Ensure everyone carries identification, and 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.

Security beefed up for Vaisakhi parade in light of the Lapu Lapu Filipino festival tragedy in Vancouver one year ago.

Surrey Vaisakhi parade expected to cost up to $900K.

10 days of rides at Surrey Vaisakhi parade grounds.

15,000 free veggie burgers at Surrey Vaisakhi Parade, and other food stories.

VAISAKHI EXPLAINED: Founding of the Khalsa was a seminal event in Sikh history