Thousands turn out for Vancouver Vaisakhi Parade 2017 (PHOTOS)

Saturday’s Vancouver Vaisakhi parade brought celebration to the streets as thousands came out to enjoy one of the most important days for the Sikh community.

Vaisakhi is an important day for Sikhs as it commemorates the birth or establishment of Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, in 1699.

Khalsa – meaning pure – refers to the baptism ceremony all Sikhs are expected to go through as part of their own personal spiritual evolution.

See also

• Hundreds of thousands expected to turn out for Surrey Vaisakhi Parade 2017
• A labour of love: Food at Vaisakhi parade comes with an important message
• 'It's the highlight of the year': What Vaisakhi means to Surrey Centre MP Randeep Sarai

South Vancouver’s streets were filled with colour, Punjabi music, and amazing food.

If you missed out on the festivities here are 22 photos of the Vancouver Vaisakhi parade 2017.

On Saturday, April 22, Surrey will be hosting another Vaisakhi parade, which is also the largest celebration outside of India.

Vaisakhi parade on Main Street. Celebrating the start of the harvest festival and the birth of the Sikh religion. Love the vibrant colours.

A post shared by Ken Stewart (@kgstewart2) on Apr 16, 2017 at 1:44am PDT

I’ve always loved going to this parade and seeing our colorful culture on display with people from every ethnic background enjoying the food, music, and celebrations! The sun coming out was a huge bonus! . Happy Vaisakhi (New Year) Everyone!! ☬ 🇨🇦 🇮🇳 . #vaisakhi #khalsa #sikhism #united #vancouver #sikh #parade #vancitybuzz #vancityvibe #vancityhype #dailyhivevan #doitfortheculture

A post shared by Manpreet Parmar (@mparmar12) on Apr 15, 2017 at 4:38pm PDT

Happy Vaisakhi! A free feast for a couple hundred thousand people, just a few blocks from home.

A post shared by Chris Brandt (@traveldiaries) on Apr 15, 2017 at 3:10pm PDT

Vaisakhi Parade #sikh #parade #vancouver #vaisakhi

A post shared by bparmar (@bparmar) on Apr 15, 2017 at 2:14pm PDT

Happy #Vaisakhi 🙏👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

A post shared by Bernice Chung (@berniceychung) on Apr 15, 2017 at 1:40pm PDT

Indian sweet! #VancouverVaisakhi

A post shared by Jessica Ou Yang (@luvjessjess) on Apr 15, 2017 at 2:36pm PDT

Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan 2017 in vancouver ! #vaisakhi #baisakhi #nagarkirtan #spring2017 #vancouver #vanlife #vancity #vancitybuzz #beautifulbc #bc #canada #kirtan #vaisakhi2017 #mainstreet #punjabimarket #punjabi #sikhism #vancouverisawesome #rossgurdwara

A post shared by Amit Thakur (@amitthakur89) on Apr 15, 2017 at 1:38pm PDT

#vaisakhiparade #punjabmarket #vaisakhi #vancity #vancouverisawesome

A post shared by Madhu Pathy (@madhupathy) on Apr 15, 2017 at 1:35pm PDT

http://vancouver.ca/news-calendar/vaisakhi-2017-celebrations-april-15-2017.aspx #vaisakhi2017 #embracingdiversity #celebratingculture #wee #jam #christepherwee #lifeisgood💖

A post shared by Christepher Wee 王崇伟 (@christepherwee) on Apr 15, 2017 at 2:22pm PDT

Party tractor. #Vaisakhi

A post shared by Darren Burt (@darrencraigburt) on Apr 15, 2017 at 3:27pm PDT

Happy Vaisakhi everyone

A post shared by Samual Walker (@walkersamual) on Apr 15, 2017 at 1:48pm PDT

The crowd keeps growing! #Vaisakhi #vancouver

A post shared by Aaj Media Group (@aajmagazine) on Apr 15, 2017 at 1:31pm PDT

#vancouver #vanig #hkig #hongkong #604 #852 #happyvaisakhi #vaisakhi2017 #vaisakhivancouver #mainstreet

A post shared by Eric (@canon10d) on Apr 15, 2017 at 6:54pm PDT

GS Gatka at Vancouver Nagar Kirtan #vaisakhi2017 #Gatka #Vancouver #nagarkirtan

A post shared by ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਰਵਰ ਸਕੂਲ (@gobindsarvar) on Apr 15, 2017 at 5:43pm PDT

My people. Happy Vaisakhi.

A post shared by Puneet (@thugpreet) on Apr 15, 2017 at 2:30pm PDT

Happy Vaisakhi ! #vancouver #canada #spring #fraserstreet #mainstreet #rossstreet #vancity #vanlife #bccanada #vancitybuzz #vancityhype #vancitynow #vancitybuzz #harleydavidson #motorcycle #motorcycles #beautifulday #happyvaisakhi #vaisakhi #festival #fun #event #vancouvercommunity

A post shared by Griffin (@griffin_graphic) on Apr 15, 2017 at 5:52pm PDT

Diversity is our greatest strength. It’s why BC is the envy of the world. #Vaisakhi pic.twitter.com/wpSebUHxIt

— Christy Clark (@christyclarkbc) April 15, 2017

Exciting to engage with so many people and celebrate our diversity today at the #Vaisakhi parade in #Vancouver. Happy Vaisakhi! pic.twitter.com/0X3YB6CIBe

— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) April 16, 2017

@VancouverPD is in full force today! We support out communities that we serve! @kdsross #vaisakhi2017 👮🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/54t8dt826F

— Cst Terry Parmar (@VPD3Charlie14) April 15, 2017

Great joining the Vaisakhi congregation in Vancouver this morning! Today we march in unity to celebrate the birth of the Khalsa Panth 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/8j02LqjYa3

— Randeep S. Sarai (@randeepssarai) April 15, 2017

Great to join thousands at the Vaisakhi celebrations in #VanSouth. A celebration of equality and inclusiveness. Thanks to @kdsross society! pic.twitter.com/jgHJktujhp

— Harjit Sajjan (@HarjitSajjan) April 15, 2017

Happy #Vaisakhi!

A post shared by Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi (@hockeynightpunjabi) on Apr 15, 2017 at 5:38pm PDT

See also

• Hundreds of thousands expected to turn out for Surrey Vaisakhi Parade 2017
• A labour of love: Food at Vaisakhi parade comes with an important message
• 'It's the highlight of the year': What Vaisakhi means to Surrey Centre MP Randeep Sarai