Thousands of people were in downtown Toronto on Sunday for the Vaisakhi, also known as Khalsa Day celebrations.
CBC reports that the people assembled for one of the city’s largest events. The day marks the Sikh New Year and the establishment of the Sikh community in 1699.
The Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwaras Council (OSGC) has been organising an annual parade along Lake Shore Boulevard for years. According to the council, the parade is the third largest in the country and is known to attract thousands of participants each year.
Attendees had free food, listened to Sikh prayers played on traditional instruments and saw festival-goers donning saffron-coloured Jagmeet Singh.
The police closed some streets for the event. Politicians from various levels of government attended, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada Pierre Poilievre, and leader of the federal NDP Jagmeet Singh. Mayor Olivia Chow was also present.
Chow said, “I’ve always admired the Khalsa tradition. It’s based on the principles of freedom, equality, justice and generosity, and the spirit of sharing. Congratulations on a wonderful Khalsa Day parade, and happy Vaisakhi.”
