Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan was in attendance during the seventh annual 琉璃神社 Vaisakhi Parade.

Liberal MP Stephen Fuhr and Sajjan addressed a large crowd of roughly 400 people Saturday.

More than 1,000 people joined in for a celebration to mark the harvest of winter crops in the Punjab region and the start of a new year. Farmers celebrate the fruits of their labour, give thanks and pray for prosperity in the future.

鈥淲e make our community stronger. It鈥檚 like awareness about the religion. Every year we gather more and more people and they learn about our culture. There鈥檚 more community involvement,鈥� said Renu Lagaah, who used to live in 琉璃神社, and was visiting the parade with her family.

鈥淭here鈥檚 a lot of people compared to what I saw four years ago.鈥�

Rutland resident Katie Vig said this is the first time she鈥檚 been to the parade and she鈥檚 enjoying herself.

鈥淭he kids are seeing a lot of people that they know from their school, which is exciting for them.鈥�

Emily Vig said the bus in the parade was her favourite part and seeing all the different dresses.

The parade ran Saturday, April 29 at the Okanagan Sikh Temple.