Thousands gathered in downtown Squamish for the 16th annual Sikh Parade.
The parade started at the Gurdwara Baba Nanak Sahib (Sikh Temple) on Fifth Avenue, then meandered downtown before finishing near Junction Park and O’Siyam Pavilion on Saturday, June 17.
The crowded parade was filled with people of all ages with some showcasing acrobatic twirling, others riding on motorcycles and in vehicles, and many walking alongside each other and even sprawling onto the sidewalk.
“The part of the life of the Sikh is to share the values,” Avtar Gidda, the secretary of the Squamish Sikh Society, told The Squamish Chief in a previous interview leading up to the event.
Tables and pop-up tents lined Cleveland Avenue near Junction Park. Attendees walked the street, which was closed to vehicles for the parade. Many tents offered free food, and others had information about Sikhism.
Speakers took turns addressing the crowd about Sikhism at O’Siyam Pavilion. Some of the speakers reminded the crowd of the basis of this particular celebration, the martyrdom of the fifth Guru, Guru Arjun Dev Ji.
Guru Arjun Dev Ji is known for fighting injustice and supporting human rights, equality and liberty. Guru Arjun Dev Ji is additionally known for writing the first version of Guru Granth Sahib also known as Adi Granth, the holy scripture of Sikhism.
Sikhism is one of the largest religions in the world, with about 26 million members worldwide.
@squamishchief The annual Sikh parade makes its way to Squamish. #squamishchief #squamishisawesome #sikhparade #fifthguru #sikhfestival #exploresquamish ♬ Celebration - Kool & The Gang
