Explore Gerrard India Bazaar for South Asian arts, culture, food and more during these can’t-miss annual street festivals.
When the faint but unmistakable sound of Bollywood music punctuates the Toronto air and lures passersby like a mythological siren, it’s a definite sign a boisterous South Asian street festival is underway.
That’s the magic spun by the TD Festival of South Asia and Diwali Mela, the festival of lights. These annual festivals occur along Gerrard Street East between Coxwell and Glenside avenues. Known as Little India or Gerrard India Bazaar, this neighbourhood is the traditional nexus of Toronto’s Indian community.
“The Festival of South Asia and the festival of lights are immersive experiences. People visit Toronto from all over Canada and North America just to witness South Asian culture come to life via performing and visual arts, food, fashion and more,” explains Tasneem Bandukwala of the neighbourhood’s Gerrard India Bazaar Business Improvement Area (GIBBIA).
But don’t fear if your vacation timing isn’t perfect: Toronto has other Indian festivals outside of Little India. Here are four Toronto Indian festivals to have on your radar.
Festival of India TO
July 13 & 14, 2024
With its chariot parade along downtown Yonge Street complete with singing, drumming, dancing and three 40-foot-high floats; a free outdoor yoga festival; and a weekend of live music, dance and storytelling, the Festival of India TO is an annual celebration presented by the Toronto chapter of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Toronto ISKON).
Cooking demos of Indian vegetarian cuisine and an international artisan bazaar enhance the lineup of festivities at Centre Island, which include a free Indian vegetarian picnic.
The TD Festival of South Asia
July 20 & 21, 2024
This blowout annual event takes over Little India (also known as Gerrard India Bazaar) every summer, offering an extended snapshot of South Asian cultures—including Indian, Pakistani, Bengali, Nepalese and Sri Lankan—through art, cuisine, music, and dance.
“Visiting Little India during its annual street festivals is a rite of passage for South Asian newcomers to Canada, as well as many other Torontonians,” says Puja Amin. The artistic director of Sanskriti Arts, a Toronto-based dance and fitness studio, has been performing at the TD Festival of South Asia since it was launched in 2002.
“Festival of South Asia is an experiential affair with a very infectious vibe. And when the festival gets going, you’ll see visitors dancing and singing alongside the performers… there are at least two or three small staging areas for the audience to interact or learn about South Asian culture,” says Amin.
Taste of India Festival
August 3 & 4, 2024
South Asian culture takes centre stage at City Hall’s Nathan Phillips Square during Taste of India—North America’s biggest food fest. Chow down on Indian street eats, take in live musical performances and learn some new Bollywood dance moves while you’re at it.
Street food is evocative of South Asian culture and is a top reason for visiting a festival (or Gerrard Street East). Consider fast-food options such as corn on the cob, samosas, the ever-popular chaats and dosas—crisp golden crepes made with rice flour.
If you’re looking for something new to you, try pani puri. Puris are deep-fried hollow balls made from wheat flour, and pani refers to their accompanying chutney water dip. The assembly and consumption of the pani puri is intricate and fascinating. First, the puris are gently punctured with the tip of a finger and then stuffed with boiled potato, onion and chickpeas garnished with cilantro. Each puri is then dunked into pani, a sweet and tangy tamarind chutney water seasoned with mint and other spices—and then popped into the mouth in one swift move.
The variety of food at the festivals is astounding and includes vegetarian and vegan options. Those craving meat can enjoy tender kebabs, stuffed kathi rolls, and richly flavoured lamb curry with a side of naan and kulchas.
End your culinary journey with a kulfi, a South Asian frozen dessert, or warm gulab jamun, a deep-fried Indian sweet made of milk solids, flour and leavening agents, dipped in thick sugar syrup.
Diwali Mela
October-November 2024 dates TBA
During the five days of Diwali, Little India’s storefronts are ablaze with lights. This festival of lights is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains each fall, and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
In Toronto, contemporary, folk and classical dancers in elaborate costumes jostle for space in along Gerrard India Bazaar they perform a medley of acts during the annual Diwali street fest. Revelers spill into the road and sidewalks to dance and celebrate with fireworks, food and entertainment.
During Diwali, clay lamps with oil are lit and garlands of fresh flowers are draped over idols or pictures of Hindu deities. The air is perfumed with fragrance from incense sticks, camphor, flowers and fruits—and delicious food!
Ramadan Iftar Trail
February-March 2025 dates TBA
Taking place during the Muslim community’s holy month of Ramadan, people of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome at the Ramada Iftar Trail, an annual event that celebrates each night’s Iftar, the evening meal that marks the end of that day’s fasting.
While free, a limited number of free food coupons will be distributed, so check in early so you can sample dates, samosa chaat, Desi burgers, lassi and other delicacies as you explore Gerrard India Bazaar.
