The prime minister was treated like a rock star at Nathan Phillips Square on Sunday afternoon.

Justin Trudeau was mobbed by hundreds of people during Khalsa Day celebrations as he made his way to the stage following the annual parade that marks the Sikh new year — a massive gathering that started at Exhibition Place and ended at City Hall.

“This is a wonderful time to celebrate the fact that Canada is a country that is strong not in spite of our differences but because of our differences,” Trudeau told the thousands in attendance.

Cell phones were held high and everyone pushed and shoved their way through the crowd to shake hands or take a selfie with the prime minister.

Trudeau was presented with plaques and a traditional sword on stage.

More than 40,000 Sikhs from the GTA and beyond typically participate in the city’s annual Khalsa Day celebration.

Nathan Phillips Square was alive with traditional music and food. And contributions collected at this year’s parade with be donated to Sick Children’s Hospital.

vhenri@postmedia.com