L to R: Tushar Unadkat, Chintan Bhavsar, MP Sonia Sidhu and Aruna Narola.
Brampton, ON, November 4, 2023 – The Canadian Gujarati Women’s Association (CGWA) successfully organized the “Halo Gujarat” event on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at the Brampton Triveni Mandir and Community Centre. The event took place from 12:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
The “Halo Gujarat” event celebrated the rich Gujarati culture and heritage on a day filled with cultural performances, music, and a strong sense of community. This event served as a platform for cultural exchange and celebration, showcasing the cultural diversity and vibrancy of the Gujarati community in Canada. Additionally, the event aimed to serve as a pre-Diwali get-together, bringing the community together in the spirit of the upcoming festival.
The event was a resounding success, bringing together individuals from various backgrounds to appreciate and enjoy the rich tapestry of the Gujarati culture. The CGWA Advisory Board Member and the host for the day, Tushar Unadkat, kicked off the festivities with a warm welcome note, setting the tone for the day’s celebrations.
Musical performances were a highlight of the event, starting with Viral Parekh’s soulful Gujarati Gazal performance in an open slot. The singing continued with more captivating songs by Nilesh Patel and Parmeshi Vyas, captivating the audience with musical voices. Chanda Sthankya also graced the stage with a solo performance, enhancing the musical experience.
Cultural performances added to the vibrancy of the event, with a stunning dance performance by Vibhuti Vinchi, Sweni Dindorkar from Nritya Palette leading a captivating group dance, and Reena Shah from Spandan Kala bringing her group’s dance performance to life on the stage.
L to R: Tushar Unadkat, Chintan Bhavsar, Shri Siddhartha Nath, Aruna Narola, Mr. & Mrs. Dipak Anand.
The guest of honor, Hon. CGI, Toronto, Hon. Mr. Siddhartha Nath, charmed the audience by opening his speech in Gujarati, which was admirable. Ms. Kamal Khera, MPP (Brampton East), also graced the event with her presence. Overall, a total of 600 attendees throughout the day enjoyed the event.
A vibrant aspect of the festival was the presence of 32 vendors many local small to medium business owners. They set up booths where they offered a variety of items, including clothing, delicious food, makeup products, and handcrafted items. This display added to the event’s overall appeal and provided a platform for local businesses to showcase their products and connect with the community.
The venue was authentically dressed in a Gujarat theme, incorporating elements such as a hut, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel cut-outs, displays of rangolis, and lamps and props, all to infuse the nostalgia and cultural richness of the state. These decorations enhanced the overall ambiance, creating an immersive experience for all attendees.
“Our mission is to keep Gujarat’s language and culture alive wherever we are,” claimed Chintan Bhavsar, one of the three founder women of CGWA, alongside Supriya Chavda and Aruna Narola, who have played a pivotal role in establishing and nurturing the organization.
“I want to recognize all of the organizers, sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who participated in making this event a success,” said Mr. Dipak Anand, MPP Mississauga-Malton, and added that “events like this help bring our community together.”
“It is always a pleasure to celebrate Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage and honor the multicultural values that our nation cherishes,” said Ms. Sonia Sidhu, MP Brampton South, in her speech at the event, presenting a citation to the CGWA team.
CGWA would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, performers, vendors, media, and volunteers who made “Halo Gujarat” memorable and successful. The organization looks forward to future opportunities to celebrate and share the Gujarati culture with the broader community.
MUKTA Advertising crafts the press release, and for more information about the Canadian Gujarati Women’s Association and future events, please visit our website at www.cangujwomen.com.
About the Canadian Gujarati Women’s Association (CGWA): The Canadian Gujarati Women’s Association is dedicated to promoting and preserving Gujarati culture and heritage in Canada. The organization hosts various cultural events, provides support and resources to the Gujarati community, and fosters a sense of unity and community spirit among its members.
