Surrey

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph at a Guru Nanak Gurpurab celebration, hosted by the City of Surrey in Surrey, B.C.

Guru Nanak Gurpurab refers to the celebration of the birth of the founder of Sikhism and the first of ten Gurus, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. This day holds great signficance and is marked with special cereomnies, prayers, and community gatherings. The celebrations typically involve processions known as Nagar Kirtans, special religious congregations known as diwans in gurdwaras, and community kitchens known as langars. Gurpurab is a joyous occasion for Sikhs to reflect on the teachings and contributions of the Gurus, as well as strengthen their connection to Sikhism and the community.

The City of Surrey is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Salish Peoples, including the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), and Semiahma (Semiahmoo) land-based nations. It is the largest city by land areas and second most populated in Metro Vancouver.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of a sign reading, "City of Surrey is proud to celebrate Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Birthday," at a Guru Nanak Gurpurab celebration, hosted by the City of Surrey in Surrey, B.C.

Guru Nanak Gurpurab refers to the celebration of the birth of the founder of Sikhism and the first of ten Gurus, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. This day holds great signficance and is marked with special cereomnies, prayers, and community gatherings. The celebrations typically involve processions known as Nagar Kirtans, special religious congregations known as diwans in gurdwaras, and community kitchens known as langars. Gurpurab is a joyous occasion for Sikhs to reflect on the teachings and contributions of the Gurus, as well as strengthen their connection to Sikhism and the community.

The City of Surrey is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Salish Peoples, including the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), and Semiahma (Semiahmoo) land-based nations. It is the largest city by land areas and second most populated in Metro Vancouver.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of a street sign located at 122nd Street and 71st Avenue in Surrey, British Columbia (B.C.). The sign is written in Panjabi language. It pertains to the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara (Sikh temple) and was installed by the City of Surrey.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of a street sign located at 122nd Street and 71st Avenue in Surrey, British Columbia (B.C.). The sign is written in Panjabi language and pertains to the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara (Sikh temple) and was installed by the City of Surrey.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of a street sign located at 130th Street and 86th Avenue in Surrey, British Columbia (B.C.). The sign pertains to the Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar (Sikh temple) and was installed by the City of Surrey.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of a street sign located at 130th Street and 86th Avenue in Surrey, British Columbia (B.C.). The sign pertains to the Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar (Sikh temple) and was installed by the City of Surrey.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of a street sign located at 130th Street and 86th Avenue in Surrey, British Columbia (B.C.). The sign pertains to the Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar (Sikh temple) and was installed by the City of Surrey.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of decorations at a Diwali celebration held at the Surrey City Hall in British Columbia (B.C.).

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is a major religious festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, and translates to "the Festival of Lights." The festival lasts five days: the first day is known as Dhanteras; followed by Choti Diwali; Lakshmi Puja, which is the main celebration; Govardhan Puja; and finally Bhai Dooj. The festival is typically marked by the cleaning and decorating of homes, as well as the lighting of diyas and rangoli designs. Each region in India and religion has their own manner of celebrating Deepavali and their own gods to be worshipped.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of a group of unidentified individuals at a Diwali celebration held at the Surrey City Hall in British Columbia (B.C.). Among the group of individuals is Penny Priddy.

Penny Priddy is a Canadian politician who served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Surrey-Newton from 1991 to 2001. She held several ministerial roles, including Minister of Women's Equality, Minister of Health, and Minister of Education. A trained nurse, she worked extensively in community services, supporting children, families, and people with disabilities. Priddy was also active in the Surrey School Board and various community organizations.

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is a major religious festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, and translates to "the Festival of Lights." The festival lasts five days: the first day is known as Dhanteras; followed by Choti Diwali; Lakshmi Puja, which is the main celebration; Govardhan Puja; and finally Bhai Dooj. The festival is typically marked by the cleaning and decorating of homes, as well as the lighting of diyas and rangoli designs. Each region in India and religion has their own manner of celebrating Deepavali and their own gods to be worshipped.

Creator: Bodalia, Chandra

Photograph of unidentified individuals at a Diwali celebration held at the Surrey City Hall in British Columbia (B.C.).

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is a major religious festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, and translates to "the Festival of Lights." The festival lasts five days: the first day is known as Dhanteras; followed by Choti Diwali; Lakshmi Puja, which is the main celebration; Govardhan Puja; and finally Bhai Dooj. The festival is typically marked by the cleaning and decorating of homes, as well as the lighting of diyas and rangoli designs. Each region in India and religion has their own manner of celebrating Deepavali and their own gods to be worshipped.