Vaisakhi celebration underway in Vancouver

The Sikh community celebrated in the streets of South Vancouver on Saturday for Vaisakhi, one of the faith's biggest annual holidays.

Organizers estimate crowds of around 50,000 turned up, many dressed in bright colours, to celebrate the event commemorating the establishment of Khalsa – the community of baptized Sikhs – in 1699.

Several community leaders and politicians attended the event, including Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell, and Kash Heed, who just yesterday resigned his position as solicitor general.

Motorists are advised to avoid the Vaisakhi parade route, which will travel along SE Marine Drive, Main Street, 49th Avenue, Fraser Street and 57th Avenue.

The annual parade began at 11 a.m. at the Ross Street Sikh Temple, and will end back where it began at around 4 p.m.

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  Parade leaders walk together during the Vaisakhi parade in Vancouver, B.C., on Saturday April 10, 2010. Vaisakhi is one of the most significant holidays on the Sikh calendar and commemorates the establishment of the Khalsa in 1699. Organizers expected close to 50,000 people to attend the parade and festivities. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck