The annual Nagar Kirtan parade in northeast Calgary will see singing, dancing, and showing of traditional Sikh martial arts and colours Saturday morning.
Officials estimate around 100,000 people will be taking part, which will start and end at Prairie Winds Park.
The parade celebrating Vaisakhi will run north to the Dashmesh Cultural Centre and then wind south along Falconridge Boulevard.
“The Nagar Kirtan is a procession led by the Panj Pyare (Beloved Ones) who escort Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji through the Nagar (town) reciting Kirtan (devotional hymns). The Sangat (congregation) follows in the steps of the Guru, as a reminder that we also spiritually follow in the steps and teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the ultimate spiritual authority for the Sikhs,” information on Nagar Kirtan on the Dashmesh Cultural Centre reads.
The event will run from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and the site at Prairie Winds Park will have vendor tents and a main stage.
The City of Calgary say several roads will be closed, and they are listed below.
- Martindale Boulevard N.E. will be closed between Martinbrook Road and Falconridge Boulevard N.E.
- Falconridge Boulevard N.E. will be reduced to a single northbound lane between Taradale Drive N.E. / Martindale Boulevard to Castleridge Boulevard N.E. / Falconridge Drive N.E.
- There will be no southbound traffic on FalconridgeBoulevard N.E. south of Taracove Estate Drive N.E.
- 64 Avenue N.E. will be closed between Martindale Gate and Falconridge Boulevard N.E.
- Castleridge Boulevard N.E. will be closed between Falconridge Boulevard and Westwinds Crescent N.E.
- 54 Avenue N.E. will be closed between Castleridge Boulevard and Westwinds Drive N.E.
Calgary police are reminding residents there will be no parking along the parade route until 3 p.m.
They say towing is taking place for vehicles along the boulevard.
It is one of two planned Nagar Kirtans in Alberta this weekend, with Edmonton’s parade going on Sunday.
More information on the parade can be found online.