Sikh men in traditional wardrobes at the Squamish Sikh Parade. Squamish Reporter file photo
By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: June 21, 2019
Every member of the community is invited and more than welcome to be part of the annual Sikh parade that is taking place tomorrow, Saturday, June 22: That is the message Makhan Sanghera, the president of Squamish Sikh Society, has for the community.
“All of Squamish is invited and we welcome them warmly with open arms as is the Sikh tradition,” said Sanghera.
He said members of the community have been actively working for the last few weeks to make this annual tradition a grand success.
“A lot of people have volunteered their time, and we are thankful to everyone, including the District of Squamish, for helping us make this a truly inclusive commemoration of Guru Arjan Dev Ji,” he said.
Last year, more than 2,000 people took part in the parade, and people from Lower Mainland communities are also expected, along with locals, to take part in the parade.
The parade marks the martyrdom of the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth guru of Sikhs. He lived from 1563 to 1606 and is known for compiling the written works of past Gurus and saints into the holy scripture. He was tortured and executed on the orders of Mughal emperor Jahangir for preaching inter-faith harmony.
“We are just celebrating that message of love and inter-faith harmony and for what the Guru did for us,” said Makhan Sanghera.
As usual, there will be free food and snacks as well an opportunity to volunteer and serve food. Sanghera said this is an inclusive event and he hoped the commuity will come out and partake in the food and the culture.
The street parade through downtown Squamish will start at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 3:30 p.m. There will be short readings and verbal presentations at the Pavilion Park.
