Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Release: 22nd Annual TD Festival of South Asia 2024 Returns to Celebrate Vibrant Culture and Diversity!

Toronto, ON (July 5, 2024): The highly anticipated 22nd Annual TD Festival of South Asia 2024 is set to take place from July 20 to July 21, noon to 11 pm, at Gerrard India Bazaar showcasing the sights, sounds, and tastes of South Asia through a colorful and immersive experience. Presented by Gerrard India Bazaar BIA, this year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before, captivating attendees with a vibrant celebration of music, dance, art, food, and much more.

As the largest two-day South Asian Street festival in North America, the TD Festival of South Asia has become a cherished tradition for locals and visitors alike. With over 250,000 visitors expected to attend over the weekend, the festival will transport attendees on a journey across South Asia, offering an authentic and captivating experience that highlights the diversity and beauty of the region.

Throughout the festival, attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in a number of activities and attractions. The event will feature an incredible lineup of live performances by over 200 talented artists, showcasing various traditional and contemporary styles of music and dance from South Asia. From mesmerizing Bollywood dances to soul-stirring classical melodies, the stage will come alive with energy and passion. Visitors can also enjoy cultural art and displays, gully cricket, and a Bollywood boulevard. 

The TD Festival of South Asia is not just about performances; it also offers a unique shopping experience. Attendees will have the chance to explore a bustling marketplace brimming with vendors offering a wide array of South Asian crafts, jewelry, fashion, and artworks. From intricately designed garments to handcrafted jewelry, the marketplace is a treasure trove for those seeking one-of-a-kind pieces and cultural artifacts.

Food enthusiasts will also find themselves in paradise as the festival’s food zone tantalizes their taste buds with a delectable selection of South Asian cuisine. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to savor traditional dishes prepared by expert chefs, ensuring an authentic taste of South Asia.

“The 22nd TD Festival of South Asia promises to be an extraordinary celebration, captivating attendees with its vibrant performances, culinary delights, artistic expressions, cultural showcases, and unique shopping experiences. As we come together to honor the resilience, diversity, and cultural richness of South Asian heritage, this festival serves not only to unite our community but also to drive local economic development. By attracting visitors from near and far, it acts as a catalyst for economic growth, providing invaluable opportunities for small businesses, artisans, and vendors alike. Beyond our neighborhood, its impact extends to the broader Canadian economy through enhanced tourism, cultural exchange, and a deeper appreciation of inclusivity and diversity. The Festival of South Asia beautifully integrates cultural festivities with economic prosperity, making it a cornerstone event for our community and a significant contributor to the Canadian economy at large.” – Tasneem Bandukwala, Executive Director of the Festival of South Asia & Gerrard India Bazaar BIA

The TD Festival of South Asia is made possible through the generous support of title sponsor, TD Bank Group, who shares the vision of promoting cultural diversity and community engagement. Their continued commitment to the festival enables the organizers to create an immersive experience that captivates attendees of all ages and backgrounds.

“The Festival of South Asia is not just a tradition; it embodies the heart and soul of Gerrard India Bazaar and our community. It proudly showcases the richness of South Asian culture and serves as a vibrant celebration of our heritage. As Chair of the Gerrard India Bazaar BIA, I am tremendously proud of how this festival promotes multiculturalism, fostering belonging and understanding for all who join us. We eagerly welcome everyone to come together, transcend boundaries, strengthen bonds, and create lasting memories through the celebration of music, dance, art, and cuisine at the 22nd Annual TD Festival of South Asia.” – Chand Kapoor, Chair, Gerrard India Bazaar BIA

Admission to the festival is free, ensuring that this cultural celebration is accessible to all members of the community. The TD Festival of South Asia invites everyone to embrace the vibrant and diverse South Asian heritage, encouraging a spirit of unity and understanding.

Acknowledgement 

We would like to take a moment to acknowledge our sponsors for their generous support and for making this festival a grand success. 

1. Presenting Sponsor: TD Bank
2. Funded by City of Toronto
3. Funding provided by the Government of Ontario
4. Silver Sponsor: Telus Koodo
5. Silver Sponsor: DBS Developments: With over 60 years of excellence, DBS Developments is a fully-integrated real estate company dedicated to creating exceptional residential communities that set new standards in urban living.
6. Sponsor OLG

About Gerrard India Bazaar BIA: 

One of Toronto’s oldest BIAs, formed in 1981, Gerrard India Bazaar BIA is one of 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. 

Media Contact: Tasneem Bandukwala, Executive Director, Gerrard India Bazaar BIA. gibbia@gerrardindiabazaar.com