Khalsa Day festivities pack Windsor’s waterfront

Thousands gathered to celebrate Khalsa Day near the Detroit River over the weekend.

Traditions of Sikh culture played out at Windsor’s Festival Plaza on Sunday, as part of the annual Khalsa Day festivities.

Thousands gathered beside the Detroit River to dance, celebrate their Sikh heritage, and feast on various cultural dishes.

Khalsa Day, also known as Vaisakhi, is a celebration of the Sikh New Year, dating back to the establishment of the Sikh Community in 1699.

Simran Singh, a member of the Sikh Cultural Society of Metropolitan Windsor executive committee and an organizer of the event, told CTV News the festivities were created to form a sense of community.

“The importance of the day is to bring everyone together to end all the differences and discrimination,” Singh said.

As part of Khalsa Day, drumming rang through the downtown as hundreds walked side-by-side in a parade filled with colourful displays and showings of traditions.

The day continued with religious rituals, lively performances, and the display of Gatka, an ancient Sikh martial art.

While Khalsa Day has many aspects, the importance of food proved to be an anchor for all in attendance.

The aromas from freshly made Sikh dishes travelled out of the nearly 50 food stalls and drew the attention of all who passed on nearby Riverside Drive.

Singh noted the food was free for all who attended, regardless of their background.

“This is our way to give back to the community as well. We try to serve free food to everyone, and we have a principle of no hungry tummy,” Singh added.

While many regions hold Khalsa Day in April, the festivities in Windsor-Essex are often delayed until May to allow for nicer weather.