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Bollywood and Tikka at the Festival of South Asia on Gerrard
People were dancing in the streets of Toronto this weekend at the Festival of South Asia. Held along Gerrard Street in Toronto's east end, the festival was a celebration of South Asian food, art, and culture.
Beginning at two o'clock and running until eleven o'clock, the main stage attracted a constant crowd with its long lineup of tireless dancers. There was always something to see as the performers demonstrated various forms of traditional dance ranging from Bollywood to Bhangra to Dandiya Raas.
I was a little surprised when I encountered the small collection of carnival games and rides. With the rides looking like they had seen better days, most of the kids chose to spend their time competing to win giant teddy bears and ponies.
While the kids were trying their luck, older folk chose to peruse the various stalls at the Gerrard India Bazaar showcasing wares ranging from carpets and rugs to dresses and jewelry. There were also numerous booths lining the street that offered traditional Henna hand painting for as little $5.
Food was aplenty, with chicken tikka and spice-rubbed corn billowing delicious aromas from streetside barbecues. Popular sweets like jhangri were served hot, alongside non-traditional candy and caramel apples and cotton candy.
While it wasn't a huge festival, the Festival of South Asia was a great way to spend a relaxing day wandering around sampling some good eats and taking in the cultural landscape.
Photos by the author, with additional photos by Jerrold Litwinenko.
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Great photos and round-up. I miss living in the east end for these reasons.
I really enjoyed this festival. It wasn't as packed as others have been this summer, and it just felt genuine. At other events, all these booths show up selling items that are completely unrelated to the neighbourhood. The vendors here were from the local shops, and had a great variety of items to share.
It was a great day, and your photos represent that well.
amazing photos! wasn't able to attend this year but i'm glad you guys manage to cover almost any notable event in the city! love the city and keep up the good work.
...and for anyone in need of a 'refresh', please check out www.sonicey.com
went a few years back, and it was confusing, no signs or anything, couldnt get served in a restaurant either, ended up walking to the tulip for steak
My wife and I have attended every festival since they began five (six?) years ago, Tons of fun! It is a very well-organized event, and in my opinion, has a lot more variety than Taste of the Danforth. How much souvlaki can one possible eat? :)
Terrific photos, by the way!