Every spring, thousands of Sikhs from across the Lower Mainland come to Vancouver to celebrate the original Vaisakhi parade, a day that marks both the New Year and the anniversary of one of Sikhism’s most important events, the establishment of Khalsa in 1699. This year the parade takes place on April 13, 2013.

This parade, like many others in Vancouver is not just for the Sikh community, it’s a multicultural affair. If you’re like many, you won’t be able to walk the entire parade route, the best thing to do is to head on over to Main and 50th, the defacto epicentre of the parade.

One of the best aspects of the parade is the free food (samosas, sweets, pizza, subs etc…) that can be found along the entire parade route.

Expect around a 80,000 to 100,000 people to attend. Go for the free food and soak in the atmosphere of Little India, or what very little remains of it. While you’re there why not get a haircut for $12 and ladies get your eyebrows done for $5.

The parade begins at the Ross Temple (8000 Ross Street) in South Vancouver. At 6 km this has to be one of the longest parade routes in Vancouver! If you walk the entire route, you also get a pretty good workout and burn off all the samosas you consumed along the way.

Where: South Vancouver, Little India
When: Saturday April 13, 2013
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (expect the parade to reach 49th & Main around noon, maybe later)

Map: 2013 Vancouver Vaisakhi Parade Route

View Vaisakhi Parade Route Vancouver in a larger map

Image: by lazysupper