Huge crowd turns out for annual Surrey Vaisakhi parade

A portion of the crowd at the annual Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade in Surrey is seen from above on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (CTV News)

More than half a million people were expected to turn out in Surrey Saturday for the annual Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade, which organizers say is the largest Vaisakhi parade in the world.

The Nagar Kirtan departed Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar around 9 a.m., heading south on 128 Street before embarking on a loop along 82 Avenue, 124 Street and 75 Avenue.

Roads in the area began closing at 6 a.m. and were scheduled to remain closed until 6 p.m., with police warning of significant delays for drivers travelling between 72 Avenue and 88 Avenue, and Scott Road to King George Boulevard.

Vaisakhi is an important Sikh festival that celebrates the founding of the Khalsa in 1699 and marks the spring harvest season in the Punjab region. While Vaisakhi is a religious holiday, people of all faiths are welcome to attend.

In addition to the musical procession, the celebration features hundreds of community volunteers serving free meals to attendees, a practice known as Langar Seva.

Ahead of Saturday’s event, the Surrey Police Service said it receives reports of missing children and seniors every year during Vaisakhi, and provided some tips for families and groups attending the parade.

Police advised taking a group photo before arriving at the parade to help identify missing loved ones if needed, as well as choosing a meet-up location ahead of time and ensuring every party member carries identification.

“Large crowds can make it easy for people to quickly become separated, so advance planning is essential,” the SPS said.