Toronto (17 July, 2017): Touted as the largest festival in North America, the 15th edition of the ‘TD Festival of South Asia’ hosted annually by Gerrard India Bazaar Business Improvement Area (GIBBIA) is all set to open its doors to the community on 22nd and 23rd July 2017 on Gerrard Street East between Glenside and Coxwell Avenue.
The festival will receive Mayor John Tory, Councillor Paula Fletcher, Councillor Mary Margaret-McMohan, Julie Dabrusin – MP Toronto Danforth, Peter Tabuns – MPP Toronto Danforth amongst other dignitaries who will grace the inauguration ceremony on July 22, 2017.
The free event that is open to everyone (noon-11pm) will feature several special segments – Cricket Open House supported by the Toronto Cricket League, Beer Garden, Bollywood Pop–up Mela, Yoga Studio, Culture Alley, Kids Zone and lots more. There will also be performances by various bands, artists, entertainment for children, tasting tables, sidewalk sales, henna art etc.
Chand Kapoor, Chair of the Gerrard India Bazaar Business Improvement Area (BIA), extended a warm welcome to everyone to come and enjoy the rich South Asian culture at this year’s Festival of South Asia, which is presented by the TD Bank Group. He said, “During the two-day festival we will be showcasing music, dance, food and the essence of South Asia. There will also be lots of bargains and takeaways. Our mission is to revive the legacy of the Gerrard India Bazaar (Business Improvement Area) that thrives along Gerrard Street and to celebrate and promote South Asian culture and diversity. I am sure that everyone will have a great time with their families.”
Tasneem Bandukwala, BIA Manager, Gerrard India Bazaar BIA, said, “One of the primary objective of the festival is to bring the Bazaar back as well as provide the business owners an opportunity to display their unique products and services. This is the 15th edition of the TD Festival of South Asia and we have some exciting new elements that have been added. Our vision is to continue to inspire, educate and captivate audiences; to continue to flourish our “Little India”, whilst captivating an audience and leading us all to unite as Canadians. I am confident that our visitors and their families will have a great time at the festival.”
Co-inciding with 150 years of Canada, the organizers held a festival launch event offering those in attendance a chance to sample what’s to come with Bollywood dance, South Asian eats and sweets, and live music.
Simrin RameshRaj, Creative Director, AJ Media Entertainment Inc, added, “We have some amazing local talent who are all set to enthrall you with their performances. We have a special act by Shiamak Davar Toronto Group, Evolution – a Canadian, World-Fusion music band from GTA who incorporate influences from various styles of popular music, yet maintain a fresh and raw energy.”
“We also have the Jadoo Entertainment Dance Company who have been part of prestigious events like IIFA (International Film Academy), Canada’s Got Talent, and Raptors Half Time Performance. We also have soulful singers as part of the Raghu Gogi team and so much more!” – she added.
The 15th Annual TD Festival of South Asia represents a rich mosaic of art, crafts, languages, culture, music and cuisines from various parts of South Asia in a festive backdrop. It also provides an opportunity for cultural exchange and offers community members a feeling of oneness. In 2016, the Festival witnessed a large turnout of over 200,000 people. This year also the festival is expected to generate a large turnout.
One of Toronto’s oldest BIAs, formed in 1981, Gerrard India Bazaar BIA is the largest main street marketplace of South Asian goods and services in North America. Traditional hospitality abounds here, along with a wealth of exotic delights. Colourful saris, exquisite fabrics, mouth-watering regional delicacies and delightful dining, dazzling jewellery, traditional musical instruments, audio and video entertainment, an artisanal cheese boutique, pet and toy stores, music and dance studios, cafés, pubs and numerous art galleries – all await you at the Gerrard India Bazaar. Gerrard India Bazaar is known for its vibrant nightlife and many festivals, including the annual summer Festival of South Asia, as well as celebrating many cultural holidays throughout the year – Baisakhi, Eid, Diwali, and Christmas.
Business improvement area (BIA)is a geographic area in a municipality. A BIA board of management is an organization set up to provide certain business promotion and improvement functions within that area.
AJ Media Entertainment has made a renowned name for themselves in the event industry and is known for its creativity, passion and ability to transform ideas and events into memorable experiences. The company believe that events are stories waiting to be told and like master storytellers, we create experiences that allow your story to unfold in unexpected and memorable ways.
AJ Media is making an “Artistic Journey” in the world of Media Marketing & Entertainment. Some of our major events include; The Art of Living International Day of Yoga Festival, Indo-Canada Arts Council: Diwali Razzmatazz Festival, Minhas Film and Productions: Kailash Kher Musical Concert, RAGAA Models And Talent Agency (Ragaa Fashion Awards 2016 Canada), Arzeeyaan Entertainment- Sunehri Yadeein, Toplinqs Esha Deol Event, Twenty4r Events-Asia wedding lounge, U&ME Valentine Nite 2016 & 2017, Baisakhi Festival 2017.
AJ Media Entertainment has received numerous nominations and awards for their outstanding work in event planning, designing and management.
For more information on the festival, visit: Facebook: @gerrard.indiabazaar Twitter: @GerrardIndiaBaz Instagram: @gerrardindiabaz
or contact: Tasneem Bandukwala (BIA Manager, Gerrard India Bazaar BIA):437.350.4333, Simrin RameshRaj (Creative Director, AJ Media Entertainment Inc): 416.830.6878, and Sangeeta S (Media Coordinator): 905.702.0140.
Report by:CMN News
