When Tony Singh first set up his modest food tent at Surrey's Vaisakhi parade over two decades ago, he could personally greet every visitor who approached his stand. Today, as the founder of the popular South Asian grocery chain Fruiticana, he can only estimate the massive crowds that flock to his expanded food service area during the annual celebration.
From Modest Beginnings to Massive Celebration
"We've transformed from a small 10-by-10 tent with just five people serving a limited crowd to an 80-by-80 tent with approximately 70 staff members serving food from morning until night," Singh explained. "Now we serve around 100,000 people at our tent alone each year."
A Festival of Remarkable Growth
This Saturday marks another edition of Surrey's Vaisakhi parade, widely recognized as the largest such celebration outside India. The spring harvest festival commemorates the birth of the Khalsa, a spiritual order established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.
While Vancouver's Vaisakhi parade began in 1979 and continues to draw tens of thousands of participants, Surrey's version—starting in the late 1990s—has achieved global recognition for its scale and popularity. In recent years, attendance has soared to more than 600,000 people.
Community Expansion Drives Festival Growth
The parade's exponential growth mirrors the development of Surrey's South Asian community, which represents the largest concentration of South Asian residents in British Columbia. Singh established Fruiticana in 1994 specifically to serve this growing population seeking familiar produce from their homelands.
"It's a wonderful feeling being part of this community," Singh shared. "Everyone is welcome regardless of religion or background. People come together in a truly inclusive celebration."
Cultural Impact and Economic Success
From its initial attendance of a few thousand people, the parade has become a major cultural event that attracts not only Sikh community members but also numerous non-Sikh participants who come to enjoy the festivities. The transformation has been dramatic.
"The streets used to be quite empty during the early parades," Singh recalled. "You could walk freely, greet people, and chat with everyone along the route. Now, the crowds are so dense that I can barely leave my tent."
When Singh began participating in the parade 22 years ago, approximately 40,000 people attended. Today, Fruiticana has expanded to 24 locations across British Columbia and Alberta, reflecting both the business success of South Asian entrepreneurs and their contribution to Canada's cultural richness.
A Testament to Community Achievement
Singh expressed pride in how South Asian immigrants have flourished in Canada, noting that many arrived with minimal resources but have since established successful businesses, entered legal professions, and assumed political offices.
The Vaisakhi parade stands as a vibrant testament to this community's journey and its significant impact on Canadian multiculturalism. What began as a quaint local gathering has blossomed into one of the world's most attended Sikh celebrations outside India, showcasing the power of cultural preservation and community solidarity.
