​Shilpa Shetty marshals the Grand Parade on Independence Day of India celebrations in Toronto

Click Here!

​#ShilpaShetty,  #Toronto, #IndianIndependenceDay, #71stIndependenceDay, #PanoramaIndia, #BharatBatra, #SaraRichardson, #DineshBhatia, #KathleenWynn, #DipikaDamela, #KristyDuncan


Toronto, Aug 21 (Canadian-Media):  Established in 1999, Panorama India -- a not-for-prof umbrella organization – with support from Consulate General of India, Toronto celebrated yesterday 70th Anniversary of Independence India Day Festival and Grand Parade 2017 along with Canada 150 at Nathan Phillips Square, Toronro, capital of Ontario province, is one of the major cities in Canada . The day also marked the celebration of 40th year of Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce.

India had gained independence on August 15, 1947 which ended British rule in the country for almost 200 years.
The highlights of the event were: Canada Parade led by international celebrity and yoga advocate Shilpa Sheety Kundra, colourful Floats, Food and Vendors, Cultural Programs, Bolywood Singing Star and Celebrity and many more.

The celebrations started at 12 p.m. with tribute to Baba Ram Dev and Sister Shivani by some religious chants followed by some yoga practices conducted by yoga teachers and participated by children, young and old who were taught the proper techniques of pranayam.

Children from different schools were practicing for their performances on the stage and the parents, teachers, and children were all in a festive mood with taking photographs.

There were other religious banners from Vaishno Devi Temple with people chanting “Jai Mata Di”.

This event was followed by patriotic songs chanted by the people of many organizations and schools to pay tribute to India. Children, adults and seniors dressed in tricoloured attire to honour the National Flag of India under the leadership of Jake Dheer and Amin Dhillon performed many dances with songs accompanied by instrumental music.

Some of the participating cultural organizations of the event were: Toronto Talent Club, Tamil Nadu Cultural Association, Taal Academy, Dance Expressions, Panwar Dance and Music Telangana Canada Association, Veena Vibrants and many more.





​

---

Cultural programs

Nathan Phillips Square was crowded with people from different cultures to celebrate the event and truly portrayed a spectacular multicultural atmosphere. Food stalls offering foods of different variety from different cultures and parts of India – North, South, East and West -- was a great attraction to the gatherings which were full of joy and festivities.

Undaunted by the bright sun and the heat of the day soaking the people, young and old, who were seated in front of the stage to watch the spectacular performances.

Many booths such as information booths, Registration booths, Lost and Found booth and many more were installed to help and guide the people.

Many people had also installed stalls to promote their products and services, a few among these being State Bank of India Toronto, Real Estate Brokerage stall, ATN, Living Arts Centre of Mississauga, Nanda & Associate Lawyers.

Several dignitaries who regularly attended the Consulate General of India Toronto office’s events with the help of other volunteers were busy making the necessary arrangements for the arrival of the chief guests and dignitaries of this event.

National Anthem was chanted at 1:30 p.m.

Bharat Batra, Vice President and Branch Head of SBI Canada Bank, Mississauga Branch noted the complains of the visitors and assured them that he would forward their concerns to the Corporate Office.

Sara Richardson, Marketing and Publicity Co-ordinator of Living Arts Centre explained to visitors the benefits of becoming a member of the organization.

A large crowd of people entered the Phillips Nathan Square at 2 p.m. shortly before the arrival of the dignitaries – Dinesh Bhatia, Consul General of India Toronto, international celebrity and yoga proponent Shilpa Sheety Kundra, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynn, Dipika Damela, Minister of Seniors Affairs, Kristy Duncan, Canadian politician from Ontario and many more.

​

Cultural program was held between 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and performed by: Veenalayam Jugalbandhi,

Parvaaz Band performance was held betwwen 6:30 p.m. – 7: 30 p.m.

Other featured activities included a live Cricket Pitch, Kids Zone, over 15 mouth watering food stalls and more than other 40 national and international kiosks promoting Indian philosophy, culture, clothes, food and jewelry.

Over 50,000 Indians, Indo-Canadians and friends of India participated in the day long event. 
  
(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)

Click Here!