The Indo-Canadian community celebrated India’s 75th Independence Day with gusto and gaiety in many cities across Canada.
In Ottawa, India’s high commissioner to Canada Ajay Bisaria hoisted the Indian flag at the City Hall, which was decorated with the India colours at night.
Premier Doug Ford said: “ I want to wish Ontario’s Indo-Canadian community a very happy Independence Day! Today is a great opportunity to learn about their rich culture, heritage and history and celebrate the contributions they have made to Ontario’s success. #IndependenceDayIndia”
One of the grandest was a Drive-Thru parade with floats and cultural programs organized by Panorama India at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga.
Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie tweeted: “I join #Mississauga’s active and vibrant Indo-Canadian community in celebrating India’s 75th Independence Day! May we never forget the sacrifices the people of #India made for the welfare of their nation. Happy Independence Day!”
Several landmarks in Toronto also displayed the brilliant colours of the Indian flag, including CN Tower and the downtown 3D sign spelling out the city’s name. Niagara Falls was lit up in colours in the evening, while large flags of India and Canada, measuring 40 feet x 60 feet were displayed in Brampton in the GTA.
In Vancouver several public buildings and historic structures were illuminated – including City Hall. Nearly 500 cars participated in a Tiranga Yatra as the motor cavalcade drove from the city of Surrey to Vancouver, where participants, from all Indo-Canadian communities, gathered in front of the Indian consulate.
Members of New Brunswick’s Indian community marked the day at the New Brunswick Legislature in Fredericton. Manisha Varma, president of the Association of Indo-Canadians Fredericton, has been organizing the flag-raising event for the past five years.
In Alberta, the Olympic Plaza in Calgary and Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in Edmonton were lit up in India colours in the evening. Festivities were held in Confederation Park in Calgary with traditional Indian music and dance performances.
In Barrie, the Indin Association organized their first flag-raising ceremony at City Hall, with around 25 Indo-Canadians and City officials attending. In Regina, Indo-Canadians gathered in front of the Legilsative buidling with several provincial leaders attending the event, which included several cultural event.
People waved Indian and Canadian flags and the president of the India Canada Association of Saskatchewan Dharmesh Gandhi said everyone was thrilled to be part of he event and see their children show off their talent.