Over 100,000 GTA Sikhs Expected to Celebrate Khalsa Day on May 2
- Parade puts Sikh Unity on Colourful Display -
MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 1 /CNW/ - The Ontario Gurdwara Committee estimates over 100,000 will join in the Khalsa Day celebrations on Sunday, May 2nd. The Khalsa Day parade, led by "Sri Guru Granth Sahibji" (the Sikh religious book), departs from Malton Gurdwara (7280 Airport Road) Malton at 1:30 p.m. and reaches the Rexdale Gurdwara (9 Carrier Drive) at 6:00 p.m.
ROAD CLOSURES
- Airport Road (Between Steeles Ave and Derry Rd) approx. 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Morningstar Dr. (Between Airport Rd. and Goreway Dr.) approx. 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Morningstar Dr. (Between Goreway Dr. and 427 bridge) approx. 2:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Humberwood & Humberline (Between Morningstar Dr. and Finch) approx. 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. - Eastbound lanes on Finch Ave W (Between Hwy 427 to Martingrove) 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
At 4 p.m., many prominent politicians plan to show their support by addressing the community at the Rexdale Gurdwara. Those expected to attend include NDP leader Jack Layton, Andrew Kania, MP Brampton West, Sukh Dhaliwal, MP Surrey, B.C. (Newton-North Delta), Jack Harris (St. John's East), Peter Julian (Burnaby-New Westminster), Robert Oliphant (Don Valley West), Brampton Mayor Susan Fennell, and Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion among many others.
Sikhism is a religion with deep beliefs in brotherhood and peace, which is reflected in parade floats. The parade is known as the Nagar Kirtan, which involves the processional singing of holy hymns throughout a community. Commonly, members of the procession are unshod in deference to the Sri Guru Granth Sahibji. Likewise, many cover their heads and don the colour orange, or saffron. Bystanders bow their heads to the scripture.
For further information: Andrew Findlater, SELECT Public Relations, [email protected], T: (416) 452-4873
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