Huge crowds expected as Calgary’s northeast celebrates Sikh culture with Nagar Kirtan parade

Vaisakhi is an important day in the Sikh calendar and the Nagar Kirtan is held once a year in our city making it a vibrant festival with a display of colourful floats.

Nagar Kirtan, Calgary’s second-biggest parade, takes place Saturday in the northeast, and traffic is going to be disrupted as a result.

The parade, a celebration of Sikh culture featuring singing, dancing, music and food, starts at 9:30 a.m. at Dashmesh Cultural Centre and finishes at Prairie Winds Park. Organizers say on their website that they expect upwards of 80,000 people to attend -- and that all Calgarians are welcome to join in the celebration.

The only parade in the city that annually draws more is the Stampede Parade.

““This event highlights the Sikh core values of community, selfless service and unity through celebration,” the website added.

“The community comes together as one to show their public display of faith and devotion which is shown through distributing free food to all communities throughout the walking route, and Prairie Winds Park.”

The following roads will be closed throughout Saturday:

• Martindale Blvd N.E. between Dashmesh Culture Centre and Falconridge Blvd N.E.;
• Falconridge Blvd N.E. between 64 Ave N.E. and Castleridge Blvd N.E.;
• Castleridge Blvd N.E. between Falconridge Blvd NE and 544 Ave N.E.
• 54 Ave N.E. between Castleridge Blvd N.E. and Westwinds Drive N.E.; and
• Westwinds Drive N.E. between 54 Ave N.E. and the endpoint near Prairie Winds Park.

Transit is free around the parade route.

Calgary police posted on social media asking parade participants to behave themselves and not park anywhere illegal.

For more information about Nagar Kirtan, go here.