Pictures: Surrey Vaisakhi parade brings out massive crowds

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      The annual Vaisakhi parade filled the streets with Surrey's huge South Asian population.

      The event celebrates the harvest festival in Punjab, which is one reason why so much food is given away.

      Vaisakhi is especially significant for Sikhs because it commemorates the founding of a military order called the Khalsa in 1699. Many men paid homage to the Khalsa by being adorned in the Five Ks, which set this order apart.

      Kesh: unshorn hair symbolizing the acceptance of God's will.

      Kangha: a wooden comb representing self-discipline.

      Kara: an iron bracelet signifying oneness with God.

      Kachchera: cotton undergarment work to represent high moral character.

      Kirpan: a sword worn to defend the faith.

      The Khalsa defended Sikhs and followers of other religions from being forcibly converted to Islam during the time when the Moghuls ruled much of South Asia.

      (Below, you can see some snapshots along the parade route.)

      The annual parade includes a strong religious component.
      Charlie Smith
      Rajdeep Singh (centre) was raising money for an orphanage in Punjab.
      Charlie Smith
      Members of the Sikh Motorcycle Club participate in every Vaisakhi parade.
      Charlie Smith
      Families cook Indian food to give away to passersby.
      Charlie Smith
      The World Sikh Organization opposed the Charter of Quebec Values, which would have made it illegal for civil servants to wear turbans.
      Charlie Smith
      The Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, travelled on this float.
      Charlie Smith
      The three men in the middle reflect Khalsa traditions with the five Ks.
      Charlie Smith
      Cotton candy added another colour to the festival.
      Charlie Smith
      The Canadian Armed Forces hopes to attract new recruits by participating in the parade.
      Charlie Smith
      Some Surrey Vaisakhi parade floats trumpet violent opponents of Indian rule in Punjab.
      Under this photo of the bombed-out Golden Temple in Amritsar in 1984 were the words "lest we forget".
      Charlie Smith

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