The newly elected Squamish Sikh Committee invites the Squamish and broader Sea to Sky community to the 17th annual Squamish Sikh Parade, which takes place on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Preparations at the local Gurudwara or Sikh temple are well underway, and local volunteers are working to ensure the parade’s success, also called the Squamish Nagar Kirtan. Satnam Singh, the newly-appointed president of the Squamish Sikh Society and owner of Urban Indian Kitchen, the former Bisla restaurant in Downtown Squamish, said the society is expecting many more people from Lower Mainland as well as from the US to show up to the nagar kirtan.
“This is a very well-loved community event, and we expect thousands of locals and visitors to attend. I’m looking forward to seeing community members there,” he said.
Paramjit Singh, the committee’s vice-president, said that, as always, the parade starts from the Squamish Sikh temple, circles around downtown, and ends at the O’Siyam Pavilion Park. It will be followed by speeches and presentations. Stalls will serve Guru ka langar, or free food, to all visitors.
“We are proud Sikhs, but we also take great pride in being Canadian,” Paramjit said. “The Sikh parades testify to the fact that we live in a great country that allows us religious freedom, freedom of speech, and the ability to dress the way we want.”
Guru Arjan Dev Ji was the fifth Guru of the Sikh faith and is remembered for his deep spirituality, devotion, and commitment to human rights and justice. His martyrdom is a significant event in Sikh history and is commemorated annually by Sikhs worldwide.
“We are looking forward to seeing everyone there. Let’s all come together and make the 2024 Nagar Kirtan a successful event,” he added.
