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!