Gurpreet:

Next, you will see an installation of images that revisits the long standing history of so many who have migrated from India, bringing their culture with them. One of the largest celebrations to be infused into Vancouver’s cultural landscape is Vaisakhi.

The Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan is a procession organized each year by the Khalsa Diwan Society. Every April, it is witnessed by hundreds of thousands of people and celebrates Vaisakhi, one of the most important days for Sikhs and Punjabis.

Vaisakhi signifies the first harvesting of crops in Punjab and also celebrates the birth of the Khalsa in 1699. The procession travels along Main St from Marine Drive, then turns East on 49th to make its way to Fraser St. Khalsa Diwan Society are the hosts of the parade as it begins and ends at the Ross Steet Gurdwara. Vancouver hosted the first and largest Vaisakhi celebration outside of Punjab. In the market, it also marks the unofficial beginning of the wedding season, which is the busiest time for the market’s jewellers and clothing shops.

Let’s talk a little more about the Khalsa Diwan Society, as they have a rich history of their own. KDS is a pioneer Sikh society formed on July 22, 1902. In 1908, the society purchased and built the first Sikh Gurdwara at 1866 West 2nd Avenue in Vancouver, which was inaugurated on January 19th, 1908. It was the first Sikh Gurdwara in North America and served the Greater Vancouver Sikh community until the property was sold for $100,000 to build a new Gurdwara Sahib as the population grew.

(music interlude)

With more settlers arriving, the first ever Punjabi newspaper, Swadesh Sewak, was also distributed in the community in 1910.

On March 30, 1969, the foundation for the new Gurdwara was laid on a 2.75 acre piece of land on the corner of Ross Street and SE Marine Drive. The opening ceremony for the 500th birthday of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji was held on Nov 30, 1969.

On April 25, 1970, the new Gurdwara location opened its doors at 8000 Ross Street. This is the present day location of the Ross Street Gurdwara. The building was designed by well known Architect M/S Erickson and Massey. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was moved from 2nd Avenue to the new location on Vaisakhi day of 1970.

The Khalsa Diwan Society has played a major role in the social and economic development of BC for over a century. They are a pioneer in raising Sikhi related issues and receiving recognition for Sikhs in Canada, having played a key role in the Komagata Maru apology and monument. The Gurdwara Sahib is also home to a beautifully curated Komagata Maru Museum.

They continue to work to build a strong community based on Sikhi values and principles by offering Punjabi language classes, youth kirtan/gurbani training, as well as computer training for new immigrants, youth, and seniors. They also assist seniors in filling passport and visa applications and Income tax returns.

Annual sports activities are also organized, including soccer, kabadi, wrestling, volleyball, and basketball, with over 100 teams taking part in the annual tournaments.