Canada is a diverse nation, home to countless people of different faiths, races, nationalities, and language. Indo-Canadians, or rather, people who have an Indian background but proudly call Canada their home, make up 3.8% of the Canadian population. That number’s even more large in places like Ontario (5.3%), British Columbia (6.5%), and Alberta (3.7%). According to a 2011 household survey there are an estimated 1,260,000 Indo-Canadians residing in this nation. Between Vancouver and Toronto there are a ton of multi-cultural events taking place that celebrate Indo-Canadian’s and Indian culture. These yearly festivals showcase the music, the food, and the pride Indo-Canadians have for their culture.
Toronto’s Festival of India – Toronto Ontario
If you’ve ever spent a day walking through Toronto, it’s easy to notice the diverse people from all walks of life. Toronto proudly holds the title for the largest Indo-Canadian population in Canada. In fact, approximately 51% of the entire community lives within the GTA (Greater Toronto Area). Each year this large community of Indo-Canadians celebrate their culture with a vibrant parade of celebration down Yonge Street. Massive floats are pulled by hand by thousands of attendees, surrounded by dancing, singing, chanting, and cheers from spectators. It’s an inclusive event where everyone is encourage to come out and walk and celebrate. The spectacle continues throughout the weekend at Sherbourne Common where you can experience all of the fun to be had. In 2017, Toronto’s Festival of India celebrated their 45th Anniversary, making this the longest running Indo-Canadian festival in Canada. Note that this festival is free and open to the public so head down in July and check it out!
Festival activities include:
- a massive, outdoor tented pavilion
- acclaimed music, dance, & drama performances – Arts & Culture
- a bustling South Asian Bazaar – Vendors
- intriguing exhibits on ancient spiritual culture and heritage
- traditional face-painting
- an outdoor yoga festival – Yoga Meltdown
- Bhakti Cloud – a tent for youth to socialize
- a fun-filled and educational children’s area including yoga for children
Indian Summer Festival – Vancouver BC
Each July for ten days, the Indian Summer Festival returns to showcase provocative multi-arts events throughout Vancouver and surrounding areas. This Indian-themed festival features amazing artists from Canada, South Asia, and beyond. Writers, poets, DJ’s, Bollywood starts, this festival showcases the high quality art being produced locally and abroad. Georgia Straight once wrote in their publication, “Since it set out to strengthen cultural bonds between Canada and South Asia, Indian Summer has made a name for itself as one of the city’s most vibrant and eclectic festivals.”
Events take place at SFU Woodwards, St Andrews-Wesley United, Shanti’s Curries, Orpheum, The Vogue Theatre, Studio T, Roundhouse Community Arts & Rec Centre, Imperial Vancouver, and countless more. The number of events and things going on are far too much to list, best to visit their website or Facebook and see what strikes you! If you’re planning on attending some of the bigger events be sure to book your tickets early as this festival sells out often and fast!
Find flights to Delhi and experience India
India has seen recent growth in the number of Canadians, including Indo-Canadians who decide to fly to India and experience Indian culture first hand. Flight providers such as Nanak Flights, based in Toronto, are providing cheap flights to Delhi, allowing people to visit family in India, or simply to explore and visit the sights and sounds of a massive city like Delhi. With a growing North American audience enjoying Bollywood movies, I fully expect people to more Canadians to fly to India and discover this incredible part of the world.