Recognizing the entire human race as one.
That was the message behind this year’s Vaisakhi celebrations in Prince George as hundreds of residents marched through local streets with handcrafted floats leading them from the Gurudwara Sahib Guru Nanak Darbar to the CN Centre today (May 18).
The walk started at the College Heights-based temple and continued along Ospika Boulevard passing people who looked on in awe of the various colours, music, and special signs made for the occasion.
The community was encouraged to join the parade regardless of faith, beliefs, or sexual orientation.
#Vaisakhi celebrations are underway in Prince George with hundreds of loca residents marching down Ospika Boulevard to the CN Centre | #CityOfPG @PGMatters pic.twitter.com/qMlH6FmL1B
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) May 18, 2019
Residents were escorted by Prince George RCMP and led by the Sarbar Prince George Motorcycle Club and the Guru Nanak Darbar Society of Prince George.
Ceremonial items were wielded by residents of all ages, while kids danced in the street and youth demonstrated Sikh martial arts.
Petro-Canada also sponsored the parade, supplying food and drink for walkers, performers, and observers alike.
At the CN Centre, free food was distributed as people were able to take pictures with floats and witness more musical performances to the tune of traditional instruments.
Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi as the creation of the Khalsa, which is a collective of committed Sikhs (male and female) who are the leaders and defenders of the Sikh Way.
According to one of the floats, 2019 marks the 320th anniversary of Khalsa Panth, which was created to help fight oppression and uphold freedom and basic needs for all people.
This is the 320th anniversary of Khalsa Panth, recognized during annual #Vaisakhi celebrations in Prince George. Colourful floats holding dozens of Sikh community members from the Gurudwara Sahib Guru Nanak Darbar to the CN Centre | #CityOfPG @PGMatters pic.twitter.com/hbZy0oMMiB
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) May 18, 2019
