This celebration signifies the rebirth of Sikhs identity. It is associated with spring time and celebrated worldwide by all the Sikh people in April. Tradition of this celebration goes back to 1699 when the order of the Khalsa (the Pure) was created by Sri Guru Gobind Singh. The initial idea for Khalsa was to fill it with love for humanity and give it strength to protect the innocent. In these days this idea lays grounds for the Sikhs community around the world to develop and be successful outside their homeland in Punjab, north-west corner of India. It also shows their cultural, social and economic contribution to their new homeland.
In Surrey, BC, the Sikhs community is the biggest group from all visible minorities groups in the Lower Mainland and one of the biggest multicultural communities in North America.
The main part of the celebration was the parade along well secured, patrolled and closed for traffic streets in Surrey around Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar Temple located at 12885 85th Avenue. The length of the parade was about 8 km total.
Lots of the Sikhs with their traditional outfits have taken over the streets of Surrey today. One of the most characteristic elements of the outfit that shows their identity is turban (called Dastaar in Punjabi). While worn by both men and women, it represents commitment to certain values like spirituality, honour and discipline. It’s associated with the five K’s of Sikhism: kara – an iron bracelet, kesh – uncut hair, kanga – a wooden comb, kirpan – a ceremonial dagger and kachera – a special fashion for underwear.
