Thousands Celebrate Sikh New Year at Toronto’s Khalsa Day Parade

Toronto’s downtown streets were filled with vibrant yellow flags on Sunday as thousands gathered for the annual Khalsa Day parade, marking the Sikh New Year and celebrating the establishment of the Sikh community in 1699.

Khalsa Day, also known as Vaisakhi, has become one of the city’s largest annual events since its inception in 1986, according to the Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwaras Council (OSGC). Participants waved the Sikh flag proudly while marching bands and colorful floats created a festive atmosphere throughout the downtown core.

Manjit Parmar, an event coordinator for the OSGC, highlighted the event’s significance, noting that inclusiveness is a fundamental principle of Sikhism, and the parade aims to celebrate that spirit alongside the broader Toronto community.

Tajinder Singh, who traveled from Brampton to attend, reflected on the day’s importance, emphasizing how events like Khalsa Day help newcomers feel united and connected to their heritage while building community ties in Canada.

The parade began at 1 p.m. from the Canadian National Exhibition grounds, with the massive crowd moving east toward City Hall, where dignitaries addressed the attendees. Throughout the day, major downtown streets including Lake Shore Boulevard West, York Street, University Avenue, and Queen Street West were closed to accommodate the celebrations, with Queen Street West remaining closed into the evening.

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This year’s festivities took place under heightened security following a tragic incident at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Festival the previous day, where an SUV attack claimed 11 lives. Toronto police assured the public that they maintained a strong presence throughout the Khalsa Day parade to ensure safety. Event organizers remained in close contact with authorities, and no security incidents were reported during the celebrations.

Khalsa Day once again demonstrated the enduring strength, pride, and unity of Toronto’s Sikh community — and its deep-rooted commitment to sharing its traditions with the wider city.