Colour, music, and community spirit filled the streets of South Vancouver on Saturday as tens of thousands gathered to celebrate Vaisakhi, a major spring festival celebrated by people of the Sikh faith around the world.

The annual Vaisakhi parade has been a tradition since 1979 and now represents the largest single-day festival in the city.

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For the Sikh community, Vasaki marks a defining moment in history.

“It is the birth of our religion, Khalsa, in 1699, as well as community coming together,” said one parade attendee.

That history is carried through the Nagar Kirtan, a religious procession where the Sikh holy book is brought through the streets with deep respect.

Participants walk alongside as hymns and prayers fill the air.

But beyond faith, the celebration is also about community.

“So lovely, I had my own kids who were little, and now both of them are walking around once at a booth helping with seva, the other ones walking around with their friends,” said another attendee.

“It is such a beautiful community.”

Political leaders from all levels of government were also in attendance, recognizing the Vaisakhi and Sankranti months.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, Pierre Poilievre, were spotted in the crowds.

“This is a very important religious celebration for the Sikh community, and for those of us who aren’t Sikh, it’s a chance to reflect on the amazing work of Sikh Canadians and British Columbians are building this province from the very earliest days,” said B.C. Premier David Eby, also attending the event.

Along the route, volunteers offered food and drinks through a community kitchen grounded in seva or selfless service, reinforcing values of equality and giving.

“People in the community, like everyone being together, that is my favourite part,” said one attendee.

And while Saturday’s event was massive, next weekend’s Vaisakhi Parade in Surrey, billed as the largest in the world, promises to be even bigger, highlighting the strength of the Sikh community across the region.