Sudbury holds first Khalsa Day parade

It's an important day for the Sikh community in Sudbury. It's marking Khalsa Day, a holy day in their scripture.

"So this is the start of our religion and we celebrate it," said Manjit Singh Mangat, president of the local Sikh temple.

The Sikh community's parade highlighting an Aurich tapestry of their vibrant culture both in and out of the community made their way through city streets, winding along various side streets until they reached the inner courtyard of Tom Davies Square. (Ian Campbell/CTV News Northern Ontario)They marched their way through city streets, winding along various side streets until they reached the inner courtyard of Tom Davies Square. The parade highlighting an Aurich tapestry of their vibrant culture both in and out of the community.

"So actually we drove four hours from Toronto to Sudbury today to see the religious parade and we also brought our team with us which is Sikh Nation - remembering the Sikh genocide of 1984," said Hardeep Wasan.

From dancing to singing, using swords to seeping streets. The mosaic on display dates back to the late 17th century.

"I'm awe-struck," said Deputy Mayor Joscelyne Landry-Altmann.

"As a resident, bring born and educated here, certainly to see this here, we're so much better because of this."

"We do have a very multi-cultural city here so we're just happy to be involved with it and hopefully this is one of many," said Sergeant Blair Ramsay of the Greater Sudbury Police Traffic Unit.

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A large part of their faith is also about charity. Khushwant Singh Bajwa, one of the members of the Sikh Motorcycle Club, said his group works hard to give back.

"Amazing day, today is the first Nagar Kirtan celebration here in Sudbury and we hope a lot will be coming in the future," said Bajwa.

Other senior levels of government were also on hand, including MP Viviane Lapointe.

"Proud day (for me) as a Sudburian, proud day as a member of parliament for Sudbury. I think as we talk about building inclusive communities, we can see it demonstrated here in a very clear way," she said.

"More than 500 people are here today from all different backgrounds to support the Sikh community, you know I walked here with people from the N'Swakamok Native Friendship Centre," said MPP Jamie West.

While there is no official count, organizers said they're ‘over the moon’ with the turnout.

Work now starts at getting ready for the Khalsa Day parade in Timmins at the end of the month.