Calgary Sikh community prepares for thousands at 28th annual Nagar Kirtan

Event organizers are expecting around 60,000 to 80,000 people to attend Calgary’s Nagar Kirtan procession on Saturday.

People are coming from all over Canada to attend the Sikh event, adding that it’s the second biggest event of its kind in the city after the Calgary Stampede, and that everyone is welcome to join.

“We’re very proud, it’s basically the celebration of the birth of our Kalsa — the Sikh religion,” said Raj Sidhu, the operations director of the Dashmesh Cultural Centre.

The event starts at the Dashmesh Cultural Centre, and the procession goes all the way to Prairie Winds Park. It features hymns, martial arts called Gatka, and more.

Sidhu says this event has been happening in Calgary for over 28 years, and that it’s amazing to see it grow.

“It just shows the vibrancy of Calgary. You know how welcoming Calgary is. Multicultural is just amazing, not just for the Sikh community, but everyone gets involved. Our neighbours here in Martindale, all the way through the northeast quadrant,” he said.

Some volunteers who were helping set up at the park say they’re very excited for the event.

“So much cool … We’re gonna see new people teach us things about our culture,” Mandeep Singh said.

Sidhu says they began planning this event back in November, which includes lots of coordination with the city, Calgary police, and other community organizations.

Several streets will be closed on Saturday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. The city says rolling closures will occur as the parade progresses, and major congestion is expected throughout the area.

Those roads include the following:

• Martindale Boulevard NE will be fully closed between Martinbrook Road and Falconridge Boulevard.
• Falconridge Boulevard NE will be reduced to one northbound lane between its intersection with Taradale Drive / Martindale Boulevard and the intersection with Castleridge Boulevard / Falconridge Drive.
• No southbound traffic will be permitted on Falconridge Boulevard NE, south of Taracove Estate Drive.
• 64 Avenue NE will be closed between Martindale Gate and Falconridge Boulevard.
• Castleridge Boulevard NE will be closed between Falconridge Boulevard and Westwinds Crescent.
• 54 Avenue NE will be closed between Castleridge Boulevard and Westwinds Drive.

Additional closures will affect northeast 64 Avenue, Westwinds Drive, and 54 Avenue.

Additionally, Calgary transit is providing free shuttles throughout the northeast, including Coral Springs, Cornerstone, Panorama Hill, Saddle Ridge, Skyview Ranch, Temple, and the City of Chestermere.

Sidhu adds that the community centre is very thankful for its neighbours’ cooperation.

“I know for the residents around this area, we hope for and always support your patience,” he said.

“It’s a big event coming through the northeast, and any feedback or anything, Deshmesh Cultural Centre is always open, we welcome you to come give feedback on the event as well.”

CPS are advising anyone who plans to attend to commute by Transit. The event runs from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Transit information can be found on the City of Calgary website.