1^st November 2021 – Ontario proclaimed Hindu Heritage Month for the first time in 2016 to recognize the contribution of Hindus in the Canadian society. This year’s celebrations have kicked-off in much style on Sunday as huge gathering of Hindus marked their presence at Devi Mandir in Pickering.

The highlight of the event, which was organized by Hindu Forum Canada and Devi Mandir, was the presence of the Consulate General of India in Toronto, Her Excellency Ms. Apoorva Srivastava.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A special message from Ontario Premier Mr. Doug Ford noted the positive influence of Hindus across Ontario and thanked Hindu Forum Canada for hosting the festivities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The other eminent guests who graced the occasion were the Minister of Finance of Ontario, Mr. Peter Bethlanflavy, MPP Ajax, Mr. Rod Phillips, MPP Whitby, Mr. Lorne Coe, Deputy Mayor of Pickering, Mr. David Pickles and Representatives of the Durham Regional Police, Constable Fiona Phillips and Constable Gagan Sindhu.

 

 

 

 

 

The event was full of energy and enthusiasm as the devotees and attendees enjoyed 3-hour long Bhajan sammelan by Pandit Neil Dev Prasad, Shri Hemant Panwar and Parry and Polly Sookraj-Gosine along with Devi Mandir Kirtan Group and some very young and talented musicians, singers and Kuchipudi dancer (click link to see clip).

Hindu Forum Canada has partnered with other temples in GTA as well where more festivities and celebrations are expected to happen in the coming weekends in the month of November.