The city of Kent came alive on Saturday, May 17, 2025, as thousands gathered at the accesso ShoWare Center for the Annual Khalsa Day Celebration and Parade.

This vibrant event honored Vaisakhi, a major Sikh festival commemorating the formation of the Khalsa in 1699 and drew attendees from across the Pacific Northwest.

The celebration began at 10 a.m. with a dynamic program featuring traditional hymns and prayers, cultural exhibits, food stalls, and speeches from community leaders.

Attendees experienced Gatka, the traditional Sikh martial art, and shared in Langar, a free vegetarian meal offered to all—symbolizing the Sikh principles of equality, service, and community.

The highlight of the day was the Nagar Kirtan, a spirited Sikh religious procession through the streets of Kent. Participants sang devotional hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the central scripture of Sikhism, creating an atmosphere of reverence and joy. The procession reflected the Sikh community’s rich cultural heritage and its longstanding values of inclusion and service.

Dignitaries and Local Leaders in Attendance

The event was joined by several distinguished guests, including:

WA State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti
State Senator Manka Dhingra
State Representative Chris Stearns (47th LD)
State Representatives Mia Gregerson and Edwin Obras (33rd LD)
State Representative Janice Zahn
King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci
Kent Mayor Dana Ralph
Kent City Council President Satwinder Kaur
Kent Councilmember Toni Troutner
Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus
Auburn Councilmember Hanan Amer
Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone
Renton Councilmember James Alberson

Their presence underscored the Sikh community’s vital role in shaping Washington State’s cultural landscape.

Honoring Sikh Contributions in the Pacific Northwest

Kent City Council President Satwinder Kaur, the first Sikh woman elected to the council and a prominent community advocate, shared:

“It’s remarkable for Washingtonians of all ages to come together and recognize a community that has made significant contributions to the state for over a century.”

Sikh presence in the Pacific Northwest dates back to 1897, with early immigrants working in agriculture, railroads, and lumber mills. Despite challenges, including the 1907 Bellingham riots, the Sikh community endured and grew—particularly after immigration reforms in the mid-20th century.

Today, over 50,000 Sikhs reside in Washington, with strong roots in cities like Kent and Renton. The Annual Khalsa Day Celebration at the ShoWare Center continues to highlight the resilience, culture, and values of the Sikh American community.

About Khalsa Day

Khalsa Day, also known as Vaisakhi, marks the birth of the Khalsa—an order of initiated Sikhs founded in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The event promotes Sikh values of faith, justice, and equality, and serves as an opportunity to educate the broader public and strengthen intercultural understanding.