Sikh Sangat NZ will host the third Sikh Parade, Nagar Kirtan, on April 5. Photo / Andrew Warner
Sikh Sangat NZ will host the third Sikh Parade, Nagar Kirtan, on April 5. Photo / Andrew Warner
Picture a procession moving slowly down Fenton St – brightly dyed silk dresses with glitter trimming, turbaned men on motorbikes, warriors riding horseback bearing swords, high-energy martial arts.
It’s the Rotorua Sikh Parade, and everyone is invited.
On April 5, Sikh Sangat NZ Trust will host its third paradein Rotorua, honouring the creation of Khalsa – a key event in the history of Sikhism dating back to 1699.
Trust secretary and operations manager Harpal Singh said the festival of Vaisakhi is observed every year and recognises the birth of the faith.
Organisers expect more than 1500 participants, including many from Rotorua’s Sikh community, which numbers around 10,000 in the Bay of Plenty region.
Stats NZ figures show 53,406 people identified as Sikh in New Zealand in 2023.
The parade will start outside the Sikh temple on Ward Ave at 10am, weave its way through the Rotorua CBD and end at the Rose Garden across the street, about 2pm.
Singh said Sikhism recognised the teachings of 10 gurus or masters. The festival that honours this time of year is Vaisakhi, which is also known as Baisakhi.
“The main thing is, anyone can attend this parade – it doesn’t matter their nationality or ethnicity - everyone is welcome and they can have free food.”
It is customary for people in the Sikh faith to offer food to those who are hungry, as taught by the first guru or master, Bābā Nānak Dev Ji.
“Every Sikh temple offers a food service. Our first guru started this free food service to the needy, so now and onwards, we will be seeking their blessings,” Singh said.
The parade on Saturday is called Nagar Kirtan, which means to “sing hymns in town”.
He said the focus was on getting together to remember others, trying to be honest and good with a “pure heart”.
Guru Gobind Singh stood for community and taking care of others, he said.
“All human beings are one, there is no difference – white, black, Indian, Asians, whatever – they are just equal and we have to see everyone with equal eyes, it doesn’t matter if they are poor, rich, whatever they are.
“Women, man, girl, boy, whoever it is. We have to help others,” Singh said.
The details
What: Nagar Kirtan - Rotorua Sikh Parade
When: Saturday, April 5
Time: 9am-2pm
Where: Gurdwara Sri Guru Amardas Sahib Ji, 24 Ward Ave
Cost: Free
Aleyna Martinez is a multimedia journalist based in the Bay of Plenty. She moved to the region in 2024 and has previously reported in Wairarapa and at Pacific Media Network.
