2nd Annual Vaisakhi Festival 2019 (with Photos and Video)
Edmonton is known as the Festival city of North America and why wouldn’t it be. We have some of the best outdoor events like the Edmonton Heritage Festival, Fridge Festival, Pride Parade, etc. However, when it comes to some ethnic events, we don’t really see a lot of coverage about them. One such community is the 90,000 strong South Asians (Desi’s) in Edmonton, some of their events are probably one of the most attended events (read Khalsa Day Parade, held every year since last 20 years). Another such event that took place recently is the 2nd Annual Vaisakhi Festival 2019 held last week at the Meadows Recreation Centre, attended by several thousand.
Organized by BBG Event Planners in association with Times of Asia magazine, the 2nd Annual Vaisakhi Festival 2019 saw hordes of people celebrating Vaisakhi (the harvest festival side) by indulging in several fun activities like Turban Tieing competition, Live Giddha and Bhangra performances, Bollywood performances. There were several local Edmonton Desi artists displaying their creations in Clothing and Jewellery. Indian food was one of the highlights of the event with live street food stalls.
(Also See: All Desi Events in Edmonton)
Wasn’t Vaisakhi a Religious Festival?
Vaisakhi like many Canadians know is a Sikh historical event and commemorates the formation of Khalsa Panth. However, Vaisakhi also has a cultural significance to the land of Punjab which is a harvest festival and people mark the ripening of the Rabi harvest. It is almost celebrated as a thanksgiving day by farmers for a good crop. Vaisakhi is also celebrated in Hinduism as it marks the first day of a solar new year which some communities refer as the Hindu New Year. In Conclusion, like most festivals from South Asian subcontinent, Vaisakhi has several significances to different communities and groups.
The free event was sponsored by several local Edmonton Desi businesses: Everest Educational Services Inc, Gunny Brar, EDB, Bukhara Indian Restaurant, Streets of India, Rainbow Print & Sign, Shiksha, Fancy Doors, Telus Pure Fiber, Bobby Jaswal, All India Sweets and Restaurant, Anjana Babbar, PHF, Amba Jewellers, Sai Canada Immigration, New Way Immigration and many more.
(Also See: All Desi Events in Edmonton)