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.)
Comments