More than twenty thousand Sikhs gather for annual Nagar Kirtan in Calgary

Calgary, Canada (May 13, 2014): Thousands of Calgarians gathered in the north-east community of Martindale on Saturday (May 10) to celebrate the month of Vaisakhi.

A view of Calgary Nagar Kirtan [May 10, 2014]

The annual Sikh Nagar Kirtan parade brings a festive atmosphere to the neighbourhood as the Sikh community celebrates with floats and the singing of holy hymns, while temporary stands along the route offered free food and drink to the assembled crowd.

Nagar Kirtan is celebrated by Sikhs around the world and is a way of bringing the message of God to the neighbourhood.

Saturday’s parade benefitted the Walking Away From Hunger campaign as those marching in the parade and spectators were asked to bring non-perishable food items to the event. All of the collected food will be donated to the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank.

Since 2006, the Walking Away From Hunger campaign has collected more than $200,000 in cash and a substantial amount of food for Calgarians in need.

The event is the city’s second largest parade, trailing only the Calgary Stampede Parade in total attendance.