The Sikh community in Sydney has expressed deep outrage after the cancellation of their much-loved Nagar Kirtan parade, a religious and cultural event that has been peacefully celebrated for decades. The decision by Blacktown City Council to deny permission for this year’s procession, citing safety concerns, has left thousands of community members disheartened. For many Sikhs, the move feels discriminatory, especially when compared with the city’s accommodation of other large-scale demonstrations.
Earlier this month, more than 90,000 pro-Palestine activists marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, an event that temporarily brought the city to a standstill. Authorities managed the gathering despite its scale, raising questions within the Sikh community about why their peaceful parade—traditionally held within their local suburbs—has been deemed unmanageable. Sikh leaders argue that if such a massive protest could be facilitated, their religious procession, which has a long history of peaceful observance, should not have been obstructed.
The Nagar Kirtan is an integral part of Sikh religious tradition and has been celebrated in Sydney for at least two decades. Rooted in the teachings of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, the procession is marked by devotional hymns, community service, and cultural pride. Around the world, Nagar Kirtans are held annually, drawing thousands of participants who sing, pray, and walk together in harmony. In India and across the diaspora, the event is not only a spiritual gathering but also a symbol of Sikh identity and resilience.
“This parade has been an ongoing thing for many, many years, at least 20 years,” explained Sikh temple committee member Dilbag Sidhu. “It’s an integral part of the Sikh faith in every city in the world and in India. To suddenly stop it here sends a very hurtful message to our community.”
For Sydney’s Sikh population, one of the fastest-growing communities in Western Sydney, the denial represents more than just the loss of a festival. It is seen as an erosion of their cultural and religious rights, particularly given their history of peaceful engagement and contributions to the wider Australian society. The Sikh community has played an active role in Australia’s multicultural fabric since the late 19th century, with early Sikh migrants working as farmers, traders, and laborers. Today, Sikhs are recognized for their strong values of service, equality, and community building.
The cancellation of the parade has sparked calls for fairness and transparency in council decisions. Many in the Sikh community fear that this could set a troubling precedent where minority faith groups are disproportionately restricted, even when their events have a proven track record of safety and peacefulness. As frustration grows, community leaders are urging authorities to reconsider the decision and work collaboratively to ensure that safety requirements are met without erasing a cherished cultural and religious tradition.