A colourful celebration is taking over downtown Timmins this weekend.
The Sikh Sangat of Timmins is celebrating its first-ever Khalsa Day Parade in Timmins.
Here's what you need to know about the event:
What is Khalsa Day
The celebration is part of a Vaisakhi tradition recognizing the founding of the Sikh community in 1699. This year's parade honours diversity and inclusion.
When is it
It's happening on Saturday, June 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the temple located at 24 Cedar St. S. (the former Gibby's Tavern).
Road closures
The parade starts at 11 a.m. at the Sikh Sangat. It goes down Cedar Street, west on Second Avenue and north on Brunette Road to Algonquin Boulevard. It will then follow Algonquin to Cedar Street and end at the temple.
The roads indicated will be closed from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Who can attend
This is a free event, and all are welcome. The organizers expect a large crowd of 1,000 people or more to attend.
“We would like the community to come and join us and learn about our way of life and enjoy free food with us,” said Kanwaljit Kaur Bains, the director of the organization.
The event means a lot to the Sikh community.
"We are creating history in Timmins and promoting tourism and multiculturalism," she said.
What to expect
There will be lots of bright colours, predominantly yellow and blue. After the parade, there will be traditional ceremonies, free vegetarian food, a turban-tying experience, Sikh martial arts and information displays.
When you enter the Gurdwara (the Sikh temple), shoes are not permitted. As a sign of respect, you need to cover your head. Alcohol, drug or smoking of any kind is not permitted.
Jazzy B Concert
After the downtown activities, the action moves to Participark where the Punjabi Cultural Music Festival is staging a concert by Jazzy B (Jaswinder Singh Bains), is an Indo-Canadian Punjabi songwriter. He is one of the very popular Punjabi singers.
Related: $60K helping bring in singer Jazzy B
The show runs from 7-10 p.m.
Tickets start at $20 and are available online here.
