Toronto, ON (July 5, 2024): The highly anticipated 22nd 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.
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,
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 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, who 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.
“The 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.
For more information about the TD Festival of South Asia, please visit
https://www.facebook.com/gerrardindiabazaar
About Gerrard India Bazaar BIA:
One of Toronto’s oldest BIAs, formed in 1981, Gerrard India Bazaar BIA is one of the largest
main street marketplace of South Asian goods and services in North America. Traditional
hospitality abounds here, along with a wealth of exotic delights. Colourful saris, exquisite
fabrics, mouth-watering regional delicacies and delightful dining, dazzling jewellery, traditional
musical instruments, audio and video entertainment, an artisanal cheese boutique, pet and toy
stores, music and dance studios, cafés, pubs and numerous art galleries – all await you at the
Gerrard India Bazaar. Gerrard India Bazaar is known for its vibrant nightlife and many festivals,
including the annual summer Festival of South Asia, as well as celebrating many cultural
holidays throughout the year – Baisakhi, Eid, Diwali, and Christmas.
Business improvement area (BIA) is a geographic area in a municipality. A BIA board of
management is an organization set up to provide certain business promotion and improvement
functions within that area.
