The highly anticipated 22^nd 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. You don’t need to be South Asian to enjoy the attractions of this lively enclave, located along Gerrard Street East between Coxwell Avenue and Glensdie Avenue.
 
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, a beer garden, 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 TD 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, which 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. 
 
“Festivals like the TD Festival of South Asia help bring people together to experience the vibrancy and diversity of our communities. Through the TD Ready Commitment, our corporate citizenship platform, we’re proud to support cultural events that create opportunities for people to connect and provide a platform to highlight the unique and diverse talent that make up our local communities.” – Said Robyn Small, Senior Manager, Philanthropy, Sustainability & Corporate Citizenship, TD Bank Group.
 
“The TD 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.

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