Close X
Friday, November 22, 2024
ADVT 
Life

Namaste Canada 2016: A Live Collage of India

V.Madhavan Kutty, 25 Oct, 2016 03:14 PM
    If it were not for the constant urging and reminders from my friend Kumar Varma ji, I probably would not have gone to see Namaste Canada. We got to Surrey Art Centre around 10:30 am in the morning and the vast parking lot was almost full with cars! It was heart-warming to see that the event has generated such a lot of attention.
     
    We were greeted by two smiling faces; were directed to Hall 1, where the opening ceremonies and many of the events would be staged. We did not have our tickets in hand but the courteous volunteer let us in anyway, and we got two seats not far from the stage. The hall was almost full.
     
    Speeches (luckily all brief), a First Nations’ Drum group, Kerala troupe complete with Chenda Melam (large wooden barrels with skin covering beaten with curved sticks). Thereafter, it was a feast of dances from various parts of India - Gujarat. Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Bollywood, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, until 1:30 pm in the afternoon. Lunch was a challenge. There was only one food truck and the line up was long! But hunger has to be assuaged, even though we missed a couple of programs.
     
    We stayed on to hear the music session until mid afternoon. There were lecture demonstrations and other attractions in Halls 2 and 3, but one can only take in so much! When we left, lots of new arrivals were lining up to get into Hall 1 – they would probably stay until late evening.
     
    It was an amazing experience. I was surprised that the majority of audience was of Indian origin. This live collage would have been a great experience for Canadian citizens of other origin. Being a member of the audience in events like this is a lesson in tolerance: there is constant interruption of people leaving, changing places, new arrivals finding vacant seats, but everyone was patient, courteous and obliging.
     
    Some kind merchants had provided coffee and desserts throughout the day. The coffee was excellent and gulab jamuns and rasgulas provided just the right amount of sugar energy! I wish I knew their names, but for now my grateful thanks to their generous hearts.
     
    The Indian Consulate should be congratulated for organizing such a mega event. I had no idea we had so many diverse cultural organizations in Vancouver. I am hoping there will be a repeat performance if not every year, at least every other year!

    MORE Life ARTICLES

    EN KARMA announces new song

    EN KARMA announces new song
    Khula Khana Peena is about dressing up to the nines, meeting up with friends, cracking open a bottle, setting aside problems and everyday tensions...the objective...one hell of a bumping night!!

    EN KARMA announces new song

    What You Can Do This Mother’s Day!

    What You Can Do This Mother’s Day!

    Mother’s Day is almost here and if you haven’t already decided on any surprises yet, ...

    What You Can Do This Mother’s Day!

    Will It Be Mama Or Papa, Mommy Or Daddy? Experts Explain Babies' First Words

    Will It Be Mama Or Papa, Mommy Or Daddy? Experts Explain Babies' First Words
    TORONTO — Sarah Mulholland vividly remembers the first time her 13-month-old son called out "Mama."

    Will It Be Mama Or Papa, Mommy Or Daddy? Experts Explain Babies' First Words

    Surprise Mom with a DIY floral arrangement

    Surprise Mom with a DIY floral arrangement

    As with most holidays, Mother’s Day comes only once a year. Don’t rely solely on stor...

    Surprise Mom with a DIY floral arrangement

    5 Tips On Choosing And Working With A Wedding Photographer

    5 Tips On Choosing And Working With A Wedding Photographer
    Your wedding is fast approaching and you have an un-blissfully long to-do list, from finalizing your flower selection to choosing your menu to deciding on your dress.

    5 Tips On Choosing And Working With A Wedding Photographer

    Few Real Indian Women Look Like As Shown In Movies: Survey

    Few Real Indian Women Look Like As Shown In Movies: Survey
      As many as 68 percent of Indian women and 71 percent of girls agree that very few real women and girls look like women and girls in advertisements, movies and television, according to a survey. 

    Few Real Indian Women Look Like As Shown In Movies: Survey