NYC Sikh Day Parade 2018: What You Need To Know

MURRAY HILL, NY — The annual Sikh Day Parade in New York City brings together thousands of Sikhs from the city and surrounding areas for a parade and festival in the heart of Manhattan. here's everything you need to know for Saturday's events.

When is it? The parade begins Saturday at noon, and some festivities will last until 4 p.m.

What is the parade route? Parade marchers will assembled on 36th, 37th and 38th streets. between Fifth and Park avenues. The route will start at Madison Avenue and 38th Street and go south before ending at 25th Street.

Is there also a festival? Yes! The parade funnels right into the festival, which will take over Madison Avenue between 26th and 23rd streets.

What does the parade celebrate? The annual Sikh Day Parade draws Sikhs from throughout the New York City area and usually falls near Vaisakhi, a day that marks when the tenth Sikh guru created the Khalsa Panth, or the community of initiated Sikhs, according to the Sikh Coalition's website. The day is marked by performing service and providing free meals to all visitors in Sikh houses of worship, according to the Coalition.

Image credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images. Image caption: Sikhs prepare to march in the annual NYC Sikh Day Parade April 25, 2009 in New York City.