Sikhs to celebrate in Hastings streets

Baljit Singh (left), priests Onkar Singh, Gurwinder Singh, Baldev Singh, Lovekesh Singh, and president Chamkaur Singh are gearing up for their innaugural parade. Photo / Duncan Brown

Hastings streets will be flooded with colour as a centuries old tradition is celebrated in the inaugural Hastings Sikh Parade.

An integral part of Sikh culture, the parade held next Saturday celebrates the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, one of India's most revered spiritual leaders.

The fact this was the first year the parade would be held was very special, New Zealand Sikh Society Hastings secretary Baljit Singh said, as it was the 350th anniversary of the Guru's birthday.

"The Sikh parade is part of the Sikh culture and brings peace, happiness, and sharing," he said.

"This parade is held all over the world . . . and we would like to bring this to the Hastings community."

Mr Singh, who has called Hastings home since 1989, said this parade was the result of years of work for the community before they were able to get permission from Hastings District Council.

Roughly following the route of the annual Blossom Parade, the parade will wind through the main streets of Hastings, starting and finishing at the Eastbourne St temple.

Mr Singh thought up to 700 people would be participating in the parade, "easy", not including those coming from outside the region.

And as well as celebrating the birth of the last of 10 gurus, the parade would also be a chance for others to learn about the Sikh culture, and join the celebrations.

Mr Singh said they had received a good response from those outside the Sikh community, and encouraged everyone to come along.

"The Sikh community has been growing in Hawke's Bay for quite some time and we would like to make Hawke's Bay a part of the Sikh culture," he said.

"It's a very special thing for us."

- Join the fun on Saturday, January 21 from 11am. The parade begins and ends at 402 Eastbourne St at the Hastings Sikh Temple.