The Sikh community shared food, music and faith with the city during an annual celebration.
The Sikh Sangat of Timmins set up food tents and other vendors in the parking lot across from the gurdwara on Cedar Street South before the parade on Saturday, June 15.
Khalsa Day is a celebration of the establishment of the Sikh community in 1699, and it gives Sikhs a chance to share their culture, said Kanwaljit Bains.
“We celebrate the birth of Khalsa, and it’s also to make awareness of our culture and the Sikh way of life,” said Bains. “And also to be a part of the community here in Timmins.”
The parade included motorcyclists, drums, and community members walking behind the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy text.
Northern College, Girones Bourdon Kelly Lawyers, and Timmins and Area Women in Crisis had booths set up at the event to support the community and take part in the day.
“There’s a whole bunch of them, I can’t even keep up,” said Bains. “I’m so happy!”
Northern College has been present at all the Khalsa Day events since the first parade three years ago, and volunteers helped in the parade, driving the truck with a large drum on it.
Mani Kaur, who drove the truck, said she’d be at the event even if she weren’t volunteering.
“It’s a full, fun day. I’m enjoying the food, it’s a bright sunny day, and I got to wear my traditional clothes, which I don’t usually, living in Timmins,” she said.
The parade circled around from Cedar Street South in front of the Gurdwara and came back to the parking lot along Algonquin Blvd. Hundreds of people, including Mayor Michelle Boileau and Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus, made the walk with the Guru Granth Sahib.
“It’s a big family, so we’re enjoying this with our family here in Timmins,” said Bains.
The celebrations continued with a concert in Hollinger Park featuring performances from Punjabi artists Jazzy B and Miss Pooja entertaining the crowd into the night.
