To celebrate Vaisakhi in Metro Vancouver, this year TransLink has partnered with artist Jag Nagra to create a vibrant wrap for one of the articulated buses in its fleet.
The colourful bus will be seen around the region to mark Vaisakhi festivities, explains TransLink. The bus will be deployed on select routes based on scheduling needs, explains a TransLink representative.
The bus will also be present for Metro Vancouver's two upcoming massive community street festivals, the Vancouver Vaisakhi Festival and Parade on April 13 and the Surrey Khasla Day Vaisakhi Parade on April 20.
Vaisakhi is a Sikh celebration with roots that go back thousands of years, stemming from farmers and the harvest. Now a holy day to honour Khasla fraternity, the event brings together thousands of people for a public gathering marked by a traditional procession, and the ritual of sharing vegetarian food for all. In both Vancouver and Surrey - some of the biggest Vaisakhi gatherings in the world - the food and drink is prepared and donated by local businesses and is given out for free. The deeply significant cultural event, features parade floats, community performers, and live music.
“We’re so happy to celebrate our region’s diversity during one of the most joyous times of the year for the Sikh community,” says TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. “As thousands get set to gather with friends and family during this annual event, we remain committed to providing safe and reliable transportation for everyone.”
Artist Jag Nagra: 'I’ve always wanted to see my artwork on a bus'
Punjabi artist Nagra has participated in several high-profile projects in the region in recent years, including creating a Black Lives Matter print and the Canucks' 2021 Diwali jersey (so popular even Seth Rogen wanted one). Nagra also organized the Punjabi Market's Murals in the Market event and campaign.
"The design for the Vaisakhi bus takes inspiration from the artistry of Rumala Sahibs — the ornately embroidered fabrics found in Sikh Gurdwaras. The unique wrapped bus is covered in bright orange and blue, the traditional colours of Sikhism, and also features a vibrant floral pattern," describes TransLink.
“This has been a dream of mine for years; I’ve always wanted to see my artwork on a bus,” says Nagra. “Whether it’s the younger or older generations, I hope they feel a sense of true belonging and pride in their culture when they see this special bus.”
Buses will be rerouted in Vancouver and Surrey for Vaisakhi events
While the wrapped bus will be present at the April 13 and 20 Vaisakhi festivities in Metro Vancouver, TransLink is reminding locals that the major events will mean road closures and rerouted buses to accommodate the gatherings.
On April 13 the following bus routes will be affected:
- 3 Main/Downtown
- 8 Fraser/Downtown
- 49 Metrotown Station/Dunbar Loop/UBC
On April 19 the following Surrey bus routes will be rerouted:
- 323 Surrey Central Station/Newton Exchange
- 393 Newton Exchange/Surrey Central Station
On April 20 the following Surrey bus routes will be rerouted:
- 323 Surrey Central Station/Newton Exchange
- 324 Surrey Central Station/Newton Exchange
- 329 Surrey Central Station/Scottsdale
There will be extra Expo Line and Millennium Line service from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 20.
