When Squamish’s Avtar Gidda was a boy in Punjab, he most looked forward to the “sweet water” (lemonade) that was served at the celebrations to mark the martyrdom of the fifth guru.
As a man, Gidda, who has lived in Squamish since 1969, appreciates the holiday for its deeper meaning, as a celebration of human rights and equality.
“Guru’s sacrifice was for human rights, equality, liberty, freedom of speech and freedom of religion and the equality of the races,” he said.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji was tortured and executed in Pakistan in 1606 because he refused to renounce his religion. Despite being tortured, he spoke of peace, Gidda said.
June 20 marks the 10th anniversary of the celebration in Squamish.
At the end of the parade, at the O'Siyam Pavilion, there will be speeches by dignitaries, leaders of other religions and First Nations, according to Gidda. “Our Native brothers, First Nations, would like to talk too because they have been oppressed,” Gidda said.
“So we are very much concerned because that is what our Gurus sacrificed their lives for, the equality of the people and for liberty and for no aggression or repression. Everybody is supposed to be living in harmony and love and peace.”
About 500 families belong to the Sikh temple in Squamish, Gidda said.
Gidda said in all his years, he has never felt racial prejudice in Squamish.
“I never felt any kind of prejudice or any kind of discrimination anywhere in my life. All my kids were born here, they have grown up here, they got good jobs and they got their education here,” he said.
Because of roadwork on Victoria Street this year’s celebration will start at the Gurudwara Baba Nanak Sahib Sikh Temple, then the parade will focus on Main Street. The temple was opened in 1983.
Everyone is welcome at the event, Gidda said.
The festivities start at 10 a.m. and run through 2 p.m.
