Merry Christmas Toronto Desis. Here’s a list of Dec. ’18 events happening in your city

Saturday, Dec. 22

Event: Gerrard India Bazaar Walking and Food Tour

Details: This one-hour tour will start at 5:30 p.m. outside the Dollar Tree entrance doors near Coxwell and Gerrard Streets in the neighbourhood known as “Little India.” The walkers will get fascinating insights about the area’s history as they stroll down the lanes dotted with storefronts displaying colourful items such as clothing, jewelry, art, religious artifacts and more. The tour will also include a sampling of Indian and Pakistani food.
Contact: For more information visit here

Monday, Dec. 24

Event: AR Rahman: A spiritual Music Experience

Details: Indian maestro AR Rahman’s name is synonymous with numerous chartbusters but what many people don’t know is that the legendary singer/composer has a spiritual side. This will be at the forefront at the Metro Convention Centre, 222 Bremner Blvd. at 5:3- p.m. The concert will also feature Javed Ali. The audience will be able to listen to Sufi compositions and Bollywood hits such as “Khwaja mere Khawaja, maula and others.
Contact: For tickets visit here.

“The philosophy and teachings of Sufis brought a change in my life,” Note Rahman. “It has influenced my music. It has made me look at my inner self and meaning of my existence in more depth.”

Tuesday, Dec. 25

Event: My Jolly Bolly Christmas

Details: Once you have unwrapped the presents and tucked into a hearty lunch, afterward, why not head to 866 Bloor St. W. at 7 p.m. to celebrate, “My Jolly Bolly Christmas” with The MAD Band as they belt out some cheery Bollywood and Christmas classics, then laugh as Zain Ali, a standup comic performs his sketches, all this while enjoying delicious food and drinks.
Contact: For more details visit here.

Thursday, Dec.27

Event: One Mic Nights

Details: This event hosted by Broadening Horizons is happening at the Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Ln. in Brampton at 7 p.m. It will feature Brampton’s dynamic artists, musicians, changemakers and trendsetters. The evening will feature hard rock, hip-hop, R&B and more.
Contact: For tickets and other information, visit here.

Monday, Dec. 31

Event: PGA International: NYE 2019

Details: You may want to head to Bovaird Banquet Hall, 190 Bovaird Dr. W. for this New Year bash by PGA International.
Contact: For tickets and other information here.

**There are several NYE happening in and around the GTA*** it wasn’t possible to list them all here.

Let the records show, Toronto sure knows how to make a noise for Diwali

Dancers from Nrithyakshetra Dance Academy are among those that will be part in the Diwali festival celebrations at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga. Deewa, the Festival of Lights is hosted by Maple Diversity Foundation, Nov. 14.

Here’s a list of desi events happening in and around Toronto, November, 2015

Friday, Nov. 6
Event: Sacred sounds of Ancient India
Details: Prof. Surinder Singh, founder of Raj Academy, and students of the school are promising the audience a spectacular journey through time with soulful acoustic sounds from traditional Indian Instruments. Concert is taking place at Lester B. Pearson Theatre, 150 Central Park Dr. Brampton from 7-9 p.m.
Contact: Karanjeet Singh, 416-899-0843 or email: karanjeet@rajacademy.com.

Friday, Nov. 6 to Sunday, Nov. 8
Event: Canada Dry DiwaliFest
Details: Stop by the Bramalea City Centre, 25 Peel Centre Dr. for exciting live performances, a dance competition, a glamorous fashion show, family friendly activities, mascots, photo booth, free samples giveaways and a chance to win fabulous prizes from our festival lucky draw.
Contact: Here

Saturday, Nov. 7
Event: Bihar Diaries – A Tale of Lies
Details: PGI International and Yaar Entertainment are hosting a play Bihar Diaries, a slice-of-life story about the dysfunctional folks including the fictional mayor of Bihar, his daughter Baby and wife Jalebi. Directed by Vaibhav Parashar, the play will unfold at Michael Power St. Joseph School, 105 Eringate Dr. Etobicoke. Show starts at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $15/person.
Contact: For tickets and other information, contact here.

Saturday, Nov. 14
Event: Deewa – The Festival of Lights
Details: Maple Diversity Foundation, a Mississauga not-for-profit, will host award-winning R&B artist Arjun from U.K. who’s headlining the festival, Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Living Arts Centre from 1 p.m. onwards.
The day-long event has plenty of activities for the whole family, a fashion show by Satya Paul Canada, performances by Sanskriti Arts & Entertainment and more
Contact: Here

Saturday, Nov. 14
Event: Mha Puja
Details: Nepalis from the GTA are coming together to celebrate Mha Puja and Nepal Sambat (New Year). Mha Puja is a cultural event of purification, strengthening and understanding of oneself, and man’s relationship with nature and cosmos. The event by Canadian New Guthi will take place at Brampton Tower Hall, 85 Charolais Blvd. Brampton from 4:30 p.m. onwards. Cost of admission is $25/person (adults) and $15/person (Children 12 and below and seniors).
Contact: Bimal Man Shrestha, 416-705-6672

Wednesday, Nov. 18
Event: Nirbhaya (play)
Details: Based on the horrific event Dec. 16. 2012 when a medical student was brutally raped and killed, Nirbhaya became a catchphrase in India and elsewhere. Montreal-based writer and director Yaël Farbe and Nightwood Theatre are bringing a riveting play adapted from the real-life events. Play runs from Nov. 18- 29 at the Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. Toronto and stars Priyanka Bose, Poorna Jagannathan, Sneha Jawale, Rukhsar Kabir, Japjit Kaur, Pamela Mala Sinha and Ankur Vikal.
Contact: For tickets, contact here.

Thursday, Nov. 26
Event: Spirit of India
Details: Rahis Bharti and the Bollywood Masala Orchestra and Dancers of India invite you on a lively musical journey from Rajasthan to Mumbai. Spirit of India, a musical will happen at The Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Ln. Brampton at 8 p.m.
Contact: For tickets, contact here.

September ’15 brings something for the Mallus, Punjabis and the rest

Gurdas Maan, the Punjabi super singing sensation will be performing in a concert in Toronto, Saturday, Sept. 12. Supplied photo

Saturday, Sept. 5
Event: Jairam Show
Details: This is one of the most awaited shows for Malayalis in Toronto. Yester year heart throb Jairam (maybe he still is) is coming to town. The show by Keralite Art Lovers Association (KALA) is taking place at the Meeting House, 2700 Bristol Cir, Oakville. At 6:30 p.m. Cost of tickets range from $20 to $500.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Event: Concert
Details: Badshah of comedy Umer Shareef, Bollywood/Pakistani Bhangra sensation Abrar Ul Haq, Bollywood playback singer: Mustafa Zahid and Saima Myssah Khan are performing in this fall concert at Powerade Centre, 7575 Kennedy Rd. S. Tickets cost $20/person.
Contact: Emaad Siddiqui, 416-409-4341 or visit: Here

Event: Concert
Details: The legend of Punjabi music Gurdas Maan will be stopping by the Hershey Centre as part of his Canadian concert: The Eternal Jogi Tour. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.
Contact: 647-970-5503

Saturday, Sept. 19
Event: MACArts Festival
Details: Come to Celebration Square in Mississauga for a medley of food vendors, visual art exhibits, readings, lectures, craftwork, interactive and live performing arts will showcase the emerging, established and multicultural talent in Mississauga. Event runs 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Show is hosted by Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) and will feature Glen Chipkar, Swing Shift Big Band and Sampradya Dance Creations are the headliners.
Contact: Anupama Vittal, 905-615-4215

Saturday, Sept. 26
Event: Concert
Details: Bollywood duo Salim-Sulaiman Merchant are expected to rock the town as part of their Live Concert. The Merchants are one of Bollywood’s royalty composers. They have scored in some 100 films such as Saif Ali starrer Kurbaan, Shah Ruk Khan’s Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Fashion, Band Baaja Baraat and more. Concert is taking place at 45 Manitoba Dr. in Toronto. Cost of tickets is $45/person to $250/person.
Contact: Here

Sunday, Sept. 27
Event: Suhaag Show
Details: Bridezillas not welcome here. The 18th annual Suhaag Show in association with TD Bank will be held in Sept. 27 at the Toronto Congress Centre (650 Dixon Rd. Toronto) from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fashion shows taking place at 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $8/person and available at the door. Parking is free.
Contact: Here

It’s hot, hot. August turns the heat on desi festivals and shows in Toronto

Whew! This is quite a line-up of celebrations in August.

The TD Festival of South Asia kicks-off at Little India (1426 Gerrard St. E. Toronto) from 12 noon to 11 p.m. Check out these Desi festivals and concerts in Toronto, August 2015.

Saturday, Aug. 1 and Sunday, Aug. 2
Event: MuslimFest
Details: August kicks off with the popular MuslimFest, a celebration of Muslim arts, culture, humour, cuisine and more. Festival runs Aug. 1-2 at Celebration Square in Mississauga. Performers include: include Florida’s Yasemin Kanar, aka Yaz, Canadian Writer and Artist Boonaa Mohammed, Hip-hop and R&B trio Native Deen, The band, Joshua Salaam, Abdul-Malik Ahmad and Naeem Muhammad. Stand-up performance by Preacher Moss is also a must-see.
Contact: www.muslimfest.com

Saturday, Aug. 1
Event: Chaar Laina with Surender Sharma and Sampat Saral
Details: Surrender Sharma was the king of deadpan delivery and master of humour few decades ago. Guess what? He’s performing at The Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Ln. in Brampton at 5:30 p.m. courtesy, Indo-Canada Arts Council. Tickets cost $20/person and upwards.
Contact: Here

Friday, Aug. 7 and Saturday, Aug. 8
Event: Bollywood Monster Mashup
Details: The 5th annual Bollywood Monster Mashup is back bigger, better and earlier. Organizer are calling on desis to party at the largest South Asian festival in Canada taking place at where else? Mississauga Celebration Square.
This year features: Bollywood star Jonita Gandhi who’s the headline performer on Friday, August 7. Saturday, Aug. 8 will see the first-ever Canadian performance by Ash King.
According to Artistic Director Vikas Kohli, “This year there will be special Pan American fusion acts, a bigger KidsZone, more singers, musicians, dancers and more interactive Bollywood dance lessons”.
Contact: Here

Saturday, Aug. 8
Event: Viva Goa
Details: The Croatian Recreational Park (Father Kamber), 4525 Mississauga Rd. will come alive with all things Goan as part of World Goa Day. Live entertainment, food and music are on the agenda. Action takes take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets cost $7/person. Free for children under 12. First 200 guests will get free Chourico Pao.
Contact: http://www.goatoronto.com/

Sunday, Aug. 9
Event: Masala Masti Boat Cruise
Details: Omni Promotions Canada & PGA International Inc. are presenting a Masala Masti Boat Cruise IV: a fun-filled family event. Put your dancing shoes on. Cash bar. Boarding time is 12 noon at 242 Cherry St. in Toronto and cruising will happen from 1-5 p.m. Tickets cost $50/person (adults) and $45/person (for a group of 10).
Contact: Here (http://www.pgaii.com/)

Event: Dhanak (premiere)
Details: Mosaic: South Asian Film Festival of Mississauga (MISAFF) 15 is presenting Nagesh Kukunoor’s film Dhanak. Premiere will feature a talk with the director. Dhanak is the road adventure of an orphan brother and sister pair in search of their dream to meet Shahrukh Khan. The event is taking place at Cineplex Cinemas, 309 Rathburn Rd. W. in Mississauga at 1 p.m. Cost of tickets is $10/person (adults) and $8/child (under 13).
Contact: Here

Friday, Aug. 14 to Saturday, Aug. 15
Event: TD Mosaic 2015
Details: Mosaic, an arts festival, has more than 150 artists in over 16 hours of live stage performances, showcasing well-known local and international artists and super stars. The festival is happening at Celebration Square in Mississauga at 6 p.m.
Contact: Here

Saturday, Aug. 15
Event: TD Festival of South Asia
Details: Considered a unique street festival, celebrations will take place at Little India, 1426 Gerrard St. E. Toronto from 12 noon to 11 p.m. Check out exotic cuisines, live entertainment, fashion show, arts & crafts display, fun family activities and much more.
Contact: Here

Mark your calendars for music, dance and PM Narendra Modi’s visit

They say April showers bring May flowers.

I am all for it, as long as it’s not the dreaded white stuff that the blue skies kept dumping on us. No doubt that stuff looks pristine and oh so romantic when a Bollywood starlet is cavorting in a chiffon saree, but trust me, it’s nuisance.

So here you go, enjoy some of these 2015 April events in the Greater Toronto Area.

Saturday, April 4 – 25

Event: Naach Meri Jaan

Details: Toronto Centre for Arts, 5040 Yonge Street, Toronto, will be pulsating with rhythm and tempo as a dance competition by Glitterati Entertainment and Sanskriti Arts gets underway. Pria Haider and Naved Jaffrey are bringing the dance competition to promote South Asian talent in forms such as Bhangra, Bollywood, Fusion, etc.

Contact: Tickets can be purchased here

Saturday, April 18

Event: Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali (concert)

Details: Hershey Centre, 5500 Rose Cherry Place, will host Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali for a concert kicking-off at 8:30 p.m.

Contact: For tickets and more details, visit here

Event: Baisakhi Bonanza

Details: Dilwale Dilliwale is hosting a celebration of Baisakhi with an evening of music (Geet), Sufi poetry and Ghazals at Sagan Banquet Hall, 7180 Edwards Blvd. Tickets cost $50/person and includes dinner.

Contact: For information and tickets, visit here

Wednesday, April 15

Event: NaMo in Toronto

Details: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Toronto, Wednesday, April 15 at the Ricoh Coliseum, 45 Manitoba Dr., Toronto, ON M6K 3C3 at

This is Modi’s first bilateral visit. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Modi are expected to discuss trade and economic ties.

Contact: here

Toronto Desi Diaries

Sights, sounds and stories of South Asians in Toronto

A Desi events calendar