Thousands pack the streets in Surrey for Vaisakhi celebrations

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to be in Surrey today for the annual Vasaki Parade, considered to be the largest outside of Punjab. With more on this, we’re joined by our Mario and Sophia Perani, who’s outside of the This Morning and South. It’s very busy already. Jen, that’s right, very busy. This is a day of religious and cultural celebration and organizers are saying that we’re expecting upwards of 700,000 people to come out today for the Khalsa Devasaki Parade. I’ve got with me Maninder Singh, one of the organizers and one in their months and months of preparations. The day is finally here. How are you feeling this morning? I think the community is feeling a mixture of like Joey and celebratory, kind of like feelings that we do every year. It’s also been a long year for the community with the assassination of Baik Hadeep signature. At Granonix Ecordo, that’s what the communities here, not only for the celebration would celebrates human rights and sovereignty for all, but also to reflect on a leader we lost and, and the principles around human rights that he was standing for. Now people who are just waking up, they’re wanting to come down here today, kind of what can they expect? I think they can expect that full day of like getting to know one another. That’s one of the biggest things that this event is for, is to draw communities together. There’s free food and we talked about that a lot, but the food is really there for people to come together right? Right behind us. Right now, we’re hearing the Indigenous land acknowledgement. We have First Nations, we have members of various communities, ethnicities, races. And also from religions and it’s a, it’s a free and open welcoming event for all. So that’s, I think people can expect a very good day in learning, but also a very fun day for kids and families as well. Absolutely. And you know, getting here can be a little tricky for people, especially if they’re coming from far, you know, what do you advise to people who are wanting to come today? I think be patient with one another and take your time. The event is a very long day. It’s starts right now about 8:00 in the morning and it runs into about 6 in the evening on the and then it’s back to the parade grounds until about 10. And at the Goddess, I’ve so it’s it’s gonna be a long day, but I would suggest people to take buses transit in parking is very difficult, but it would welcome everyone to come and take part today. It’s a nice day and it’s a great opportunity to learn about our community as a sick community and also to interact with our community and let them know about yourselves as well. Absolutely. Thank you so much, Moninder. So Jen, the Nagar Kirtan will begin from here, make its way around and come back here later on in the afternoon about 5:00. And as we have been letting people know, Rd. closures are in place. There is traffic control as well. So please plan ahead, prepare for delays and we will bring you the latest from the Vesaki coverage back to you. Sounds great and wonderful, Lasaki. To everyone today who’s celebrating. Thanks, Sophia.