The Festival of South Asia is the largest running South Asian street festival in Toronto – a vibrant and colorful celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the South Asian community. Every year, thousands of people gather on the streets of Toronto to enjoy an exciting lineup of live music, dance performances, cultural activations and mouth-watering food from across the South Asian subcontinent. From the lively beats of traditional dhol drums to the mesmerizing rhythms of classical Bharatanatyam and Kathak dances, the festival offers a diverse range of performances that showcase the unique cultural traditions of South Asia. 

Visitors can also explore a variety of stalls selling beautiful handicrafts, clothing, and jewelry, or indulge in delicious street food such as samosas, chaat, and biryani. This festival is a truly immersive experience that celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of the South Asian community, and provides an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate.

Named one of Toronto’s top summer festivals by BlogTO, Streets of Toronto, Curiosity Toronto, Torontostar.com, Toronto.com, the TD Festival of South Asia in Little India is the premier destination to experience the culture and cuisine of South Asia as almost 250,000 people come together to celebrate with food, fashion, music, and dance. The event celebrates Indian, Afghani, Pakistani, Bengali, Sri Lankan, Tibetan and Nepalese cultures.

Great opportunity for Community Outreach - Large South Asian Bazaar, 90% visitors are of South Asian descent between the ages of 18–35 with a majority university educated. 

South Asian Canadians (2021 Census data)

• Largest & Fastest growing Visible Minority Group population 

• GTA is the destination of over half of the immigrants coming to Canada, and India is the single largest source of immigrants in the Greater Toronto Area. 

• 2.6 million representing 7.1% of Canada’s population.

• 1.1 million in the GTA form 19% of the population.

• 385,440 in Toronto form 14% of the population; (51:49 Men+:Women+).

South Asian population projections for 2041 is 5 million. 

Number of Canadians who spoke South Asian language (Gujarati, Punjabi, Hindi, or Malayalam at home) grew significantly from 2016 to 2021. Growth rate of the population speaking one of these languages was at least 8 times larger than that of the overall Canadian population during this period.

South Asian Canadians include Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Sri Lankans, and Nepalis, all representing several different ethnolinguistic backgrounds. 

Award Winning Festival!