Thousands of participants and spectators gather along the streets of Yuba City during the 2025 Sikh Festival and Parade. The annual Nagar Kirtan returns Sunday, Nov. 1, as part of the three-day celebration. Photo by Christopher Pedigo.

 

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - The Halloween weekend promises an extra helping of treats this year as Yuba City's annual Sikh Festival and Parade returns Oct. 30 through Nov. 1.

After filling their candy buckets on Halloween night, local trick-or-treaters can continue indulging their appetites Sunday, Nov. 1, when thousands of visitors gather for a celebration known for its generosity and abundance of free food. Traditional Indian dishes, freshly brewed chai, savory snacks, sweets and candy are among the offerings visitors can expect along the parade route, all provided free of charge by volunteers and members of the Sikh community.

The three-day celebration, centered at the Sikh Temple Gurdwara, 2468 Tierra Buena Road, culminates in the annual Nagar Kirtan, a 4.5-mile religious procession through Yuba City that attracts visitors from across the country and around the world. First held in 1980, the parade has grown into one of the largest Sikh gatherings outside India, with annual attendance estimated at 100,000 to 200,000 people.

Although the abundance of food has become one of the festival's most anticipated attractions, the tradition carries a deeper meaning rooted in Sikh teachings. Known as langar, the practice of serving free meals to everyone, regardless of faith or background, reflects the Sikh principles of equality, generosity and selfless service.

Visitors can expect colorful floats, devotional music, traditional clothing and a lively atmosphere throughout the weekend. At the heart of the procession is the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture and eternal Guru of the Sikh faith, carried aboard a decorated float.

Volunteers serve free food to visitors during a previous Yuba City Sikh Festival. The tradition, known as langar, reflects Sikh teachings of equality, generosity and selfless service. Photo by Christopher Pedigo.

Three Days of Celebration

Festivities begin Friday, Oct. 30, at 8 p.m. with Kirtan Darbar, featuring hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, followed by a fireworks display.

On Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31, the raising of the Nishan Sahib, the Sikh religious flag, takes place at 9 a.m., followed by devotional singing. An open house and tour of the gurdwara grounds begins at 10 a.m., offering visitors an opportunity to learn more about Sikh traditions and the temple. Evening services continue with Rain Sabaee Kirtan, scheduled from 6 p.m. to midnight.

The celebration culminates Sunday, Nov. 1, with the Nagar Kirtan beginning at 10 a.m.

The procession follows a 4.5-mile route beginning at the temple, traveling along Tierra Buena Road, Butte House Road, Civic Center Boulevard, Poole Boulevard and Tharp Road before returning to the temple.

The festival and its food offerings are free and open to everyone.

Colorfully decorated floats make their way through Yuba City during a previous Nagar Kirtan procession. This year's parade begins at 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. Photo by Christopher Pedigo.

Road Closures and Parking

With thousands of visitors expected throughout the weekend, local officials are preparing extensive traffic restrictions and parking arrangements.

Road closures begin Friday, Oct. 30, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and continue Saturday, Oct. 31, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., affecting residential streets near the temple, including portions of Hooper Road, True Road, Pepperwood Drive, Delle Drive and Redding Avenue. Southbound Tierra Buena Road will also be restricted from 5 p.m. to midnight on both days.

On Sunday, Nov. 1, some parade-related road closures will begin as early as 7 a.m., with True Road closing around 9:30 a.m. Many closures are expected to remain in effect until approximately 6 p.m., depending on when the procession ends and streets can safely reopen.

Parking will be available at several designated locations, including 658 El Margarita Road, River Valley High School's west lot, Redding Avenue and areas near True and Tierra Buena roads.

Officials caution that vehicles parked in the Redding Avenue parking lot Sunday will not be permitted to leave until the parade has concluded. Residents in neighborhoods affected by the road closures are encouraged to obtain resident access passes from the Yuba City Police Department, 1545 Poole Blvd., during regular business hours before Friday, Oct. 30.

Attendees are encouraged to allow extra travel time, follow posted signage and instructions from law enforcement, and familiarize themselves with designated parking areas before arriving.

Detailed road closure maps, parking instructions and safety information are available through Sutter County's official Sikh Parade information page at http://BePreparedSutter.org/SikhParade.