It is one of the local favourite events of the summer. The Squamish Sikh Parade is back on Saturday, June 15, honouring the martyrdom of the fifth guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
The 17th annual Squamish Sikh Society event will include a parade—or Nagar Kirtan—starting at the Gurdwara Baba Nanak Sahib (Sikh Temple) on Fifth Avenue and moving through downtown, speeches at Junction Park and O’Siyam Pavilion, and langar, which involves members of the Sikh faith serving free prepared meals for the community.
The society’s Tony Malhi told The Squamish Chief that around 3,000 people from Squamish and beyond turned out for the event last year, and even more are expected this year, especially if the weather cooperates.
Preparations have long been underway organizing for the upcoming event, he noted. Food preparations begin days before, with many at the temple staying late into the evening, the night before.
The festivities begin with the parade starting at 10 a.m. The procession will move through town to Junction Park. The event wraps up at 3 p.m.
Malhi noted that organizers are aspiring to make the event zero waste this year, so the public is asked to help reach that goal by recycling as much as possible. There will be appropriate bins available.
Guru Arjun Dev Ji
Sikhism is one of the largest religions in the world, with about 25 million followers worldwide, according to the Sikh Coalition. The word Sikh translates to 'disciple' or 'student’ and within Sikhism, martyrdom is a key theme, which represents standing up against tyranny and affirming one's faith, even at the risk of death.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji was executed, under the orders of the Mughal Emperor of India, in 1606, when he refused to give up his faith.
Thus, the event held each June is a very important and spiritual one for Sikhs.
@squamishchief The annual Sikh parade makes its way to Squamish. #squamishchief #squamishisawesome #sikhparade #fifthguru #sikhfestival #exploresquamish ♬ Celebration - Kool & The Gang
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