Thousands of Sikhs flooded the streets of Newton on Saturday (Nov. 25) to celebrate Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh religion.
“Today is Nagar Kirtan,” Pret Toor, a volunteer for Guru Nanak Food Bank. “It’s in celebration of our first guru’s birthday.”
His birthday is on Monday (Nov. 27), but celebrations were held today, Toor, a volunteer for Guru Nanak Food Bank, said. More celebrations will be held at the Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib (15255 68 Ave) on Monday.
The nigar kitan, which translates as a parade in English, started at the Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib on 68 Ave and 152 Street before making its way through the surrounding community.
Families, organizations and schools set up tents along the way, offering prayers, passing out food and more.
Police in Surrey closed down several streets throughout the community for the nigar kitan.
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The RedFM Gurpurab radiothon will also be taking place Monday, with donations going to Surrey Hospitals Foundation.