With a provincial election looming, B.C. politicians joined thousands of revellers from the Lower Mainland's Sikh community for the annual Vaisakhi Parade.
"It's a holiday that is celebrated across cultures,'' explained NDP Leader Carole James.
Every April, Sikh communities around the world gather to celebrate Vaisakhi, and the biggest gathering in North America is held in the Lower Mainland.
Vaisakhi marks the birth of the Sikh faith, but has traditionally drawn people from all backgrounds and religious beliefs.
Parades in Surrey and Vancouver gave politicians such as James and B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell an opportunity woo potential voters ahead of election day on May 12.
"It's always a great celebration,'' Campbell said.
The Vancouver parade route begins at the Ross Temple winds its way through Main and Fraser streets, clocking it at nearly six kilometers.
Most participants seemed to be having a good time, enjoying the culture, the colourful floats and the enormous amounts of food. The curry was hard to miss.
Aside from commemorating the establishment of the Khalsa in 1699, the day is also observed as the beginning of the Hindu solar new year, celebrated by the people of Nepal and Indians in West Bengal, Taminadu, and Kerala and some other regions of India.
To mark the celebrations, devotees, irrespective of their religion, throng at gurdwaras, the Sikh place of worship.
The celebrations start early as devotees, with flowers and offerings in their hands, proceed towards the gurdwaras and temples before dawn. Processions through towns are also common.
With a report by CTV British Columbia's St. John Alexander
