The Sikh temple also known as a gurudwara located on Medeek Ave. in Terrace will be hosting Vaisakhi, a harvest festival celebrated in parts of Northern India, with a procession around parts of the city on Saturday, April 13, 2024.
Vaisakhi also marks the establishment of the ‘Khalsa Panth’ - a term used for baptized Sikhs, by the tenth sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, during Vaisakhi celebrations of 1699 in Punjab, India.
The procession will begin from the Medeek gurudwara at 10:30 a.m. on April 13, covering Braun St., Agar Ave., and Kenney St.
It will end by circling back to the Medeek gurudwara at 12 p.m, followed by speeches from dignitaries, and free food for the community, a meal called a langar. Refereshments will be served throughout the procession.
“An information booth will also be set up at the gurudwara to educate people about the significance of Vaisakhi and Sikhism,” said Simranjit Singh Mann, president of Gurdwara Skeena Valley Guru Nanak Brotherhood.
Groups from Prince Rupert and Kitimat will be taking part in Kirtan, which is a form of devotional music sung in temples. This will take place at the gurudwara and during the procession.
“Our goal is to make it bigger in the upcoming years for the whole community of Northwest B.C,” Mann said.
Last year was the first time since 1999 that Sikhs in Terrace organised the procession for Vaisakhi, with more than 750 attendees.
“People used to go to Surrey or Vancouver to attend the Nagar Kirtan but not everyone can afford the travel, so we planned on doing this here in Terrace for the people of Northwest B.C.,” Mann said.
Expecting more than 1,000 attendees this year, Mann said, “Its not an event of the Sikh community but for Terrace to learn about different cultures and religions.”
“Come join us.”
April is also marked as Sikh Heritage Month in Canada.