Thousands of people marched through downtown Toronto on Sunday for a parade that celebrates the birth of Sikhism in 1699.

The annual Khalsa Day parade departed the CNE grounds at 1 p.m. and wrapped up at Nathan Phillips Square at about 3 p.m.

Since it was first held in 1986, the Khalsa Day event has become the third-largest parade in Toronto, behind parades held during Pride and the Caribbean Carnival.

The parade route led participants along Lake Shore Boulevard, York Street, University Avenue and Queen Street West.

Before the parade, Sikhs celebrated Khalsa Day with traditional music, hymns, prayers and food.

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