May is celebrated as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the U.S. and South Asian Heritage Month in Canada.
Official recognition of South Asian Heritage month came in 2001 when the Ontario Government declared May 5 South Asian Arrival Day to observe the earliest recorded arrival of South Asians – on May 5, 1838.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne extended her greetings to the South Asian community this year by saying, “Our province is proud to be home to a dynamic and diverse South Asian community. Your presence has contributed immeasurably to Ontario’s vibrancy and has strengthened our links with India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh as well as with South Asians from around the world.”
South Asian Heritage Month kicked off in US with Macy’s hosting Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri, for a series of appearances in six markets across the country geared towards highlighting and celebrating the unique influence of Asian-Pacific Americans.
In Toronto, Sikh International Film Festival started the celebrations, later Punjabi International Film Festival and International Film Festival of South Asia will showcase movies, documentaries and short films related to the South Asian community.
To celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the region, Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) presents RUNG Festival on May 31 and June 1. It features a mix of traditional and contemporary exhibits, including art, dance, documentaries and music from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Afghanistan.
Award-winning artist Unaiza Karim/ rungfestival
On both days, the incredible art of illumination and Islamic calligraphy will be part of the ROM workshops organized by artists Unaiza Karim, Omar Uddin and Hadi Ali Chaudhary. There will also be an interactive display showcasing elaborate South Asian wedding ceremony customs.
With a special South Asian-inspired menu at the ROM café and hands-on programming for kids, the two-day festival is a fun outing for the whole family.
Find more information and plan your day here.
Featured Image: rungfestival
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