Tens of thousands of people gathered in northeast Calgary on Saturday for the annual Nagar Kirtan parade, a vibrant procession celebrating the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi. The event, which began at 9:30 a.m. at the Dashmesh Culture Centre in Martindale, drew an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 attendees, according to organizers.
A Celebration of Community and Service
The parade featured the singing of Sikh hymns, accompanied by martial artists demonstrating the traditional Sikh martial art of Gatka. Along the parade route, tables and tents distributed free food, offering everything from cake and pizza to samosas and jalebi. This act of selfless service, known as seva, is a core tenet of Sikhism.
Simran Kaur, a volunteer with the Sikh-founded Roots of Hope Association, was serving cake to parade-goers. She emphasized that community service is at the heart of the celebration. "Wherever you'll find Sikhs, you'll never go hungry," she said, noting that the rising cost of living makes such generosity even more important.
Kaur explained that Sikhs traditionally give 10 percent of their income to help the community or those in need. Those unable to contribute financially give their time instead. All the food distributed at Saturday's event was donated. "It's nice for everyone, and it's a sense of community and pride," she added.
Youth Engagement and Growing Attendance
For Kaur, the highlight of the celebration was seeing young people get involved. "Seeing the young people understanding that this is what their faith is — always providing — for me, that's a win," she said.
The parade concluded at Prairie Winds Park, where more than 100 tents lined the pathways, offering food and other goods. Two stages featured performers singing hymns and sharing stories of Sikh history. Ranbir Singh Parmar, chair of the Dashmesh Culture Centre, noted that the turnout was higher than in previous years, with early estimates suggesting crowds could reach up to 100,000. "The numbers are growing every year," he said, adding that attendees travel from as far as Edmonton and parts of British Columbia, and everyone is welcome.
Shared Values and Community Spirit
Parmar highlighted the importance of community in the celebration. "It's nice to see other communities taking part too," he said. "It's a great event, a good place for the communities to come together and do something good." He emphasized that giving is a big part of Sikh culture, extending beyond food to global fundraising and support efforts.
Tanjeet Sandhu, who attended with her family, waited for the procession's arrival at Prairie Winds Park. "We're celebrating the birth of Khalsa — the birth of Sikhism — so it just brings everybody together under one roof," she said, describing the event as an opportunity to share Sikh values like togetherness, forgiveness, and generosity.
The Nagar Kirtan parade in Calgary continues to grow, reflecting the vibrant Sikh community's commitment to service and unity.
