Punjabi Market goes virtual for 50th anniversary

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — One of North America’s oldest and largest South Asian markets has decided to celebrate its 50th anniversary virtually this Sunday.

The Punjabi Market—called “PM50” this year—will stream over Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The celebration will be hosted by Hockey Night in Punjabi’s Amrit Gill and will have performances by Shaan-e-Punjab, Nachiye, and Amarjeet and Baljit Singh.

“Since the first store opened in 1971, the Punjabi Market has been considered a place to support cultural identity as is demonstrated every year by the sheer number of upwards of 100,000 attendees at the annual Vaisakhi Parade through the Punjabi Market,” says Michael Lee, MLA for Vancouver-Langara.

Although the market won’t stretch along its usual spot on Main Street between 49th and 51st Avenues, PM50 will include an online shopping portal that aims to support business owners following the devastating economic impact of COVID-19.

The market has a rich history and is considered the oldest “Little India” in North America. A statement issued by the non-profit in charge of PM50 says that in 1983, the market displayed the world’s first set of street signs written in Punjabi script outside of India.

All levels of government will be speaking at the event as Lee will be joined by Pete Fry, Vancouver City Councillor, and Harjit Sajjan, MP for Vancouver South.

The broadcast kicks off at 7:10 p.m. local time.

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