Vaisakhi parade in Surrey expected to attract well over 100,000 people

The largest gathering of South Asians in Canada will likely take place today in Surrey.

That's because this is the day of the annual Vaisakhi parade in Surrey.

The event commemorates the founding of the Khalsa in 1699. It was a Sikh military order created by Guru Gobind Singh to prevent Moghul invaders from forcibly converting South Asians to Islam.

Today's event begins at the Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar Temple (12885 85 Avenue) in Surrey before travelling along 124 Street.

From there, it turns left on 75 Avenue, moves to 76 Avenue and then onto 128 Street to return to the temple.

There's often a political firestorm around the Surrey Vaisakhi parade. That's because unlike its Vancouver counterpart, the Surrey event often includes floats that heavily promote an independent Sikh state in South Asia.