The Squamish Sikh Society is inviting the community to take part in their annual celebration to honour freedom of religion on Saturday (June 22).

The event celebrates Sikhism’s fifth guru, Guru Arjan, who was tortured and persecuted by the Indian emperor in 1606 for honouring his religion.

According to Avtar Gidda, with the Squamish Sikh Society, the emperor asked Guru Arjan to change his religion to Islam and bring his followers with him.

The celebration will start with readings from the holy scriptures, followed by the procession, which kicks off at 10 a.m. from the Squamish gurdwara and will continue through the city streets and parking lots.

The procession will be followed by a nagar kirtan, which is free food and drink. The meals will be supplied by about 15 food stalls and all are welcome.

“We want to be very thankful to the Canadian society as well as to the Canadian government who gave us the freedom to express our religion freely,” said Gidda.