Kaleidoscopic colours coated the city’s northeast streets as Calgary’s second-largest parade celebrated the annual Nagar Kirtan, honouring the Sikh religious holiday, Vaisakhi.
On the morning of May 9, the Dashmesh Culture Centre served as the event’s host and starting point, from which attendees promenaded down Martindale Blvd NE and Falconridge Blvd NE, pausing along the way before concluding the lap on Castleridge Blvd NE.
The estimated 80,000 participants and spectators — a silver medal amount to the city’s record-holding Stampede parade — dispersed throughout Prairie Winds Park in the afternoon to enjoy picnic lunches, live music, and shopping at local vendor booths.
Normally celebrated in the middle of April, Calgary’s Vaisakhi event is held in May because the weather is more accommodating. The holiday marks the Punjabi new year while remembering the 1699 birth of the Khalsa, which finalized the principles of Sikhism.
Vaisakhi is a nod toward the religion’s values of faith, community, and selflessness. From passing out free food and singing hymns, Sikhs honour this by sharing their culture with anyone in attendance during the Nagar Kirtan.
Long-time northeast resident, Ward 5 Coun. Raj Dhaliwal said that the parade has continued to grow in size, especially in the last four years. He said that the 2026 rendition featured greater inclusivity, with additional floats and stages.
“It’s exciting, and it’s, in a way, sobering how our city has become such a diverse city,” said Dhaliwal.
“It allows that space for everybody to come [and] celebrate their heritage, their faith.”
More photos from the Nagar Kirtan 2026 parade
