Kelowna’s streets came alive with colour and excitement on Saturday as thousands gathered to celebrate Vaisakhi, a significant event in the Sikh community.

The annual celebration, held at the Kelowna Sikh Temple on Rutland Road, marked the arrival of spring and celebrated the birth of the Khalsa order by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.

The day’s festivities kicked off at 12 p.m. with a parade that began on Sumac Road and made its way back to the temple by 2 p.m.

Participants, dressed in traditional attire, joined the procession, which was filled with music and community spirit.

At the Sikh Temple, dozens of vendors set up booths in the parking lot, offering a variety of delicious food for festival-goers to enjoy.

The celebration extended beyond the temple, as residents along the parade route joined in the festivities. Many set up food booths in their front yards, handing out snacks to the community and welcoming them to the celebration.