WINNIPEG — Thousands of Sikh Manitobans and supporters marched in Winnipeg on Sunday for the annual Nagar Kirtan procession, turning out in large numbers despite recent vandalism and threats that prompted a police hate-crime response.
Community turnout and response
The event, which the Sikh community has held annually in the city since 2003, drew families, faith leaders and volunteer groups who said they were determined to proceed. Organizers described the day as meaningful and a chance to practise and celebrate Sikh traditions together.
Harbans Singh Brar, president of the Sikh Society of Manitoba, said the parade remains a source of pride.
“All of the families come here and enjoy the day and enjoy the food and we walk behind our gurus, so we feel so proud,” Brar said.
Participants told CityNews they felt compelled to show unity in the face of intimidation. Several spoke about resilience and the long history of their community surviving attempts to divide them.
Vandalism and police investigation
Winnipeg police said officers received reports on Sept. 4 that multiple transit advertising boards had been defaced with hateful graffiti, including swastikas. In addition to the vandalism, police reported threats aimed at the parade. The force said the incidents are being treated as potentially hate-motivated and the matter has been referred to the major crimes unit’s hate crime coordinators for investigation.
Authorities did not release details on any suspects or charges as of Sunday evening. Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
Voices from the parade
Attendees emphasised that the threats did not deter them from taking part. Some contrasted the recent incidents with centuries of persecution faced by Sikhs globally, arguing those experiences reinforce a communal commitment to gather and uphold cultural traditions.
Gurpreet Sidhu, a member of the Royal Riders Group, told reporters the group’s purpose at the event is to spread kindness and protect participants. Other families said the parade is a chance to pass traditions on to children while celebrating being Canadian.
Political reaction
Premier Wab Kinew posted a response on social media ahead of the procession, condemning threats and hate in the province.
“Hate and threats have no place in Manitoba,” Kinew said.
The premier’s comment echoed the message from community leaders who said public support and political condemnation of hateful acts mattered to the safety and morale of participants.
What happened — at a glance
- Sept. 4: Reports of transit advertising boards defaced with hateful graffiti, including swastikas.
- Prior to Sept. 6: Threats reported against the Nagar Kirtan procession.
- Sept. 6: Thousands attended the parade in Winnipeg; police treating incidents as potentially hate-motivated and investigating.
| Date | Incident | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 4 | Graffiti on transit boards, including hateful symbols | Reported to police; investigation opened |
| Before Sept. 6 | Threats made against the event | Reviewed by police; hate-crime coordinators assigned |
| Sept. 6 | Nagar Kirtan procession attended by thousands | Event proceeded; community turnout strong |
Safety, solidarity and next steps
Organizers stressed safety as a priority throughout the day. Volunteer groups, including the Royal Riders, helped guide participants along the route. Attendees said their message was one of peace and inclusion, even as they called for accountability for those responsible for the vandalism and threats.
Police did not disclose whether any arrests had been made. The major crimes unit’s hate crime coordinators will continue to examine whether the incidents meet the legal threshold for hate-motivated offences and will pursue leads as available.
For now, the parade’s participants and organisers said the community’s willingness to come together publicly was itself an act of defiance against intimidation. They urged anyone with information about the graffiti or threats to contact Winnipeg police to assist the investigation.
(Grace Bautista writes for NEXO RADAR in Manitoba.)
