The community is invited to the 16th annual Squamish Sikh Parade that will take place on Saturday, June 17, from 9 am to 3 pm.
“The Squamish Sikh Society will be pleased and honoured if local residents can find the time to be part of the Squamish nagar kirtan,” said Makhan Sanghera, the president of the Squamish Sikh Society. “Please join us in making the parade a memorable event. We welcome everyone with open arms as is the Sikh tradition.”
The parade attracts thousands of people from Squamish as well as the Lower Mainland as the community gathers to remember the sacrifice of Guru Arjan Dev ji, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs, who lives from 1563 to 1606. He 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 Guru Ka Langar, or free food available throughout the day. The parade begins from the Squamish Sikh temple, circles around downtown, and finally ends at the O’Siyam Pavilion Park, where there are speeches and presentations. Sanghera emphasized that this is an inclusive community event where everyone is invited to come out and be part of the parade and partake in the food and culture.
“We look forward to see everyone there. Please join us and make this parade a memorable event,” he said.
