Tauranga will come alive with the colourful and lively Sikh Parade, as the local Sikh community celebrates the birth of the 10th Master, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, on Sunday.

The annual event will showcase Sikh culture and traditions, with vibrant floats, traditional costumes, and festive displays of community spirit.

“A very exciting time, a wonderful time for the Sikh community,” said Puran Singh, one of the parade organisers and president of the Tauranga Sikh community.

Participants in a previous Tauranga Sikh parade. Photo: Supplied.

The parade starts at 11am at the Gurudwara Sikh Sangat temple at 43 Burrows Street, before winding its way through central Tauranga.

Participants from Tauranga, Rotorua, Hamilton, and Auckland will walk the route, with some riding in decorated trucks. The procession will pass down 14th Avenue and Devonport Road, before stopping at Tauranga Boys' College carpark for speeches. The journey will continue to Memorial Park, Fraser Park, and return to the temple.

Organisers expect more than 1500 participants, including many from Tauranga's vibrant Sikh community, which numbers around 10,000 in the Bay of Plenty region.

Participants in a previous Tauranga Sikh parade. Photo: Supplied.

Singh also emphasised that the parade is open to everyone, inviting people from all backgrounds to join in the celebrations.

“Anyone and everyone is welcome to join us,” Singh said.

Guru Gobind Singh, the last of the 10 Sikh Gurus, transformed the Sikh faith and in 1699 created the Khalsa, a community of the faithful who wore visible symbols of their faith and trained as warriors.

He commanded them to wear the Five Ks: Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (a wooden comb for the hair), Kara (an iron bracelet), Kachera (tied undergarment) and Kirpan (an iron dagger for defence).

The day marking the birth of the 10th Guru is regarded as a sacred day for Sikhs, comparable to Christmas for Christians.

Guru Gobind Singh’s introduction of the turban and the salwar kameez remains a defining element of Sikh culture today.

The route will also include a purification ritual, with women sweeping the path to prepare it for the procession carrying the holy book of Sikh followers. Photo: Supplied.

During the parade, roadways will be lined with enthusiastic spectators, as temple members offer refreshments like water and fruit to keep everyone energised.

The route will also include a purification ritual, with women sweeping the path to prepare it for the procession carrying the holy book of Sikh followers.

To ensure the safety of participants and spectators, several road closures will be in effect from 11am to 3pm on January 12. Burrows Street will be fully closed, and rolling closures will impact sections of 14th Avenue, Devonport Road, Eleventh Avenue, Fraser Street, and Thirteenth Avenue as the parade progresses.

Road access will be maintained where possible, and traffic management staff will be on hand to assist residents and businesses.

Participants in a previous Tauranga Sikh parade. Photo: Supplied.

The Sikh Parade is a significant cultural event for Tauranga, offering the community a chance to witness the rich traditions of Sikhism.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come together, celebrate, and learn about our culture,” said Singh.