The ‘Scarborough Folk Festival’, in an effort to bring together the best in world folk music, will be held today in Toronto. The activity aims to build bridges between the cultures of different countries, as well as bring the roots of popular culture to the younger generation.
It is the first multicultural folk festival organized by Bangladeshi youth in the country.
For all the latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel.The one-day event, which combines the cultural heritage of Canada’s indigenous culture with that of immigrant communities, also portrays an important part of Bangladeshi culture. The incredible festival is taking place from 11pm to 9pm at Thomson Memorial Park in Scarborough.
Organized by the non-profit organization ‘Parampara Canada’, 15 invited artists from other countries of the world, as well as 125 local artists from different communities will participate in this event.
Usually, events organized by Bangladeshi organizations are usually limited to the participation of the Bangladeshi community and Parampara Canada has moved away from this practice by including all communities.
Regarding this, Jyoti Dutta Purkayastha, secretary of ‘Parampara Canada’, said that through culture, creating connections between different communities, improving relations is encouraged.
Organizers said the new generation of children in the community are playing an important role in organizing and managing the Scarborough Folk Festival. Mainak Sen, Bornomala Anindita and Jyoti Dutta Purkayastha are three young women who are involved in organizing this festival. There are also special programs, put on by the young people of Scarborough.
Speaking about the event, Ujjal Das, Artistic Director of the Scarborough Folk Festival, said: “Tackling racism and racial discrimination, strengthening intercultural and interfaith sensitivity in Canadian society is our primary motive. One of the goals of this festival is to create public opinion in favor of creating fair opportunities for all”.
Stating that the organizers are trying their best to create the Scarborough Folk Festival as an outstanding example, Ujjal Das sought cooperation from all.
Below is a summary of the Festival:
– Opening Gala by Shukanya Nrittangan (led by Aruna Haider)
– Youth Open Stage: live performances by young members of our Scarborough community.
– Therapeutic Healing Dance by Munni Subhani
– Sarangi (Instrumental) by Pankaj Mishra
– 60’s Tunes by Alex Larocci
– Lavani Dance (Marathi) by Shweni Parmar (Nritya Palette)
– Caribbean drum music by Aaron “LoveSound”
– Dotara (Instrumental) by Junaed Chayan
– Qawwal by Afzal Subhani
– Sai School of Dance (Sri Lankan Dance)
– Tribute to the late Legendary Lata Mangeshkar by Kavita Mishra
– Afghan dance by Topaz Ensemble
– Performance by SHOOR Band
– Uzbek dance by Topaz Ensemble
– Performance by Manush Band
– Padabali Kirtan by Ajamila & Team
– Bhangra by Nawab & Team (QUALITY
– Yatra Pala by Manik Chanda, Shirin Chowdhury, Urmee Nushrat
– Traditional Bengali Wedding Songs by Nrittha Kala Kendra (led by Biplab Kar)
– First Nations Performance – Isaiah Cada & Family
– Caribbean Hip-hop – Teria Morada Music
– Sylheti Dhamail by Gouri Chowdhury
