The next few weeks will be full of celebration for the local Indian community.
The Barrie Indian Association, a local group whose goal it is to create awareness of Indian culture by organizing, promoting and celebrating cultural festivals in order to help further creating inclusivity, diversity and equality, is set to host two major events this fall.
On Sunday, Oct. 15, the association is inviting the entire community to come together and help celebrate at the ninth annual Barrie’s Navratri Dhamaal.
The event, scheduled to take place from 6 to 11 p.m. at Georgian College’s Athletic Centre, is described as an evening of “cultural splendour, dance and devotion.”
The festival, explains the association’s Facebook page, will “ignite the spirit of unity and joy among people of all ages.”
Guests can expect “an epic night of Navratri” with non-stop Garba, which is a form of Gujarati dance, as well as mouthwatering Navratri food, competitions and prizes, Durga Puja (praise the goddess of power and energy), free Dandiyas (a stick, representing a sword, used in the dandiya raas dance), local vendors and the opportunity to capture memories with loved ones with professional photography.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids under the age of 10, while children under the age of four get in for free. Tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite.
The event will also be supporting Georgian Colllege's Food Locker. Anyone interested in donating are welcome to bring a non-perishable food item to the event.
Meanwhile, on Friday, Nov. 17, The Ranch in downtown Barrie will serve as the venue for the Barrie’s 11th annual Diwali Bash. Set to kick off at 6 p.m., the evening is set to be a “beautiful, cultural festival of lights” a great opportunity for everyone to come out and celebrate Diwali with their friends and family.
The festivities on Nov. 17 will include Diwali Puja, Indian dinner, talents, performances, photography, a fashion show, kids corner, vendors, Diwali Queen and a dance party, to name just a few things.
