Grey skies and pouring rain couldn’t stop thousands from watching Kelowna’s second annual Vaisakhi parade on Saturday afternoon in Rutland.
Kelowna Sikhs were joined by citizens of all religious and ethnic backgrounds to take in one of the most significant holidays in the Sikh calendar.
Vaisakhi commemorates the establishment of the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib in 1699 by the 10th Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh.
It is also the ancient harvest festival in the Punjab region, which marks the beginning of a new year.
By 11 a.m. hundreds were already gathered outside of the Okanagan Sikh Temple. The celebration began with a flag raising.
According to Paramjit Patara, president of the Okanagan Sikh Temple and Cultural Society, the flag helps to identify where the temple is.
“It started in the olden days when the Sikhs were warriors, fighting the Moguls for the rights of all humankind,” said Patara.
“Everywhere there was a temple, there was a pole with a flag on it as high as they could get it so the Sikhs could see it from a distance, because that’s where they could come and eat.”
As Saturday progressed, the skies seemed to get more grey and the rain got heavier; however, it didn’t stop the parade, nor dampen the spirit of those in attendance.
Patara said that people from as far away as Surrey came to Kelowna for Saturday’s Vaisakhi celebration. He added that he was especially pleased to see plenty of visitors from the non-Sikh community.
City of Kelowna Coun. Mohini Singh was also impressed by the wide variety of backgrounds taking in the day’s events.
“It’s really nice to see people of all backgrounds coming together to celebrate this, despite the fact we’re standing here in the rain,” said Singh.
“This is drawing people from everywhere. It’s colourful, it’s inclusive, it brings the spirit of togetherness to our city. That, to me, is very important.”
City of Kelowna Coun. Colin Basran’s grandparents were some of the original founders of Kelowna’s Sikh temple. He was on hand Saturday to celebrate Vaisakhi.
“My family has roots in the Sikh religion; we’re one of the first Sikh families to come to the Okanagan,” said Basran.
Last year Kelowna hosted its first ever Vaisakhi parade. Basran, who attended the inaugural event, said that there was a bigger turnout this year.
“It’s pretty spectacular. This is something that I hope will grow each year; I’m hoping next year it’s even bigger.”
Like Singh, Basran agreed that Sikhism is an inviting religion.
“What I like about the Sikh culture is that it’s open. They invite everybody. They just want everyone to come and see what they’re about.
“I would encourage people (who) weren’t able to get down this year, mark it on your calendar for next year. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.”
wpaterson@kelownacapnews.com
