Thousands gather in Edmonton for annual Nagar Kirtan parade
Posted May 18, 2025 4:27 pm.
Last Updated May 19, 2025 9:53 am.
Thousands gathered in the Mill Woods neighbourhood of Edmonton on Sunday for the annual Nagar Kirtan parade, a celebration of Vaisakhi, which marks the creation of Sikhism.
“It’s actually based on equality and also the first thing is that we help those who cannot help themselves,” said Gurcharn Singh Sangha, a community leader.
The streets were filled with colourful floats, live music, food and performers, as members of the Sikh community and others walked from one gurdwara to another in a show of unity and devotion.
“Nagar Kirtan is where the whole Sikh community come together and we walk from one temple to another,” said Sukhnani Dhillon, volunteer.
“Being a part of the Sikh community means respecting our culture’s values such as selfless service and we believe in optimism and living as a community and treating everyone equally,” said Vanshika, an attendee.
A float carrying Sikhism’s holy scripture was part of the procession, accompanied by the singing of devotional hymns.
“Every time when we have any celebration, we sing those hymns from the holy scriptures,” said Sangha.
He added that the event has grown significantly over the years.
“The first time we had this event in 1999 there were only 4,500 people. And now it has grown up to you know 60–70 thousand people.”
The event, which welcomes people of all backgrounds, has become a key cultural celebration in the city.
“It’s amazing to see how much it’s grown, how many people from other faith as well have come together here in Mill Woods to celebrate with the community,” said Tim Uppal, MP for Edmonton Gateway and deputy leader of the Conservative Party. “It really has become a great community celebration.”
“I think it’s just great that we’re all coming together as Edmontonians to see what each part of our community has to offer,” added Parteek Sran, attendee.
Organizers say the Sikh community in Alberta holds the parade in May rather than April, when Vaisakhi is traditionally celebrated, due to the province’s colder spring weather.
