Thousands attend Surrey\u2019s Vaisakhi parade<\/p>\n
Published 1:54 pm Saturday, April 18, 2026<\/p>\n
Hundreds of thousands of people filled the streets of Surrey\u2019s Newton neighbourhood Saturday (April 18) for the annual Vaisakhi Parade, or nagar kirtan.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Organizers said over 550,000 guests were expected to attend the annual Khalsa Day event throughout the day.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery 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,\u201d said the organizers in a post on surreyvaisakhiparade.com.<\/p>\n
Hundreds of thousands of people filled the streets of Surrey\u2019s Newton neighbourhood Saturday (April 18) for the annual Vaisakhi Parade, or nagar kirtan. pic.twitter.com\/rVrTghpc3B<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Anna Burns (@AnnaBBurns) April 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Hundreds of booths line the route as businesses and families hand out food and treats to parade-goers.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Residents in traffic-restricted areas must carry a driver\u2019s licence with a current address to access their homes at police checkpoints.<\/p>\n Security along the parade route was beefed up this year in light of the Lapu Lapu Filipino<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n -With files from Tom Zillich & Tom Zytaruk<\/p>\n