Strong Indian presence at Canada’s largest summer fair

TORONTO: The Canadian National Exhibition entering its 136^th year was held here from August 21 to September 7. The 18-day fair held at the sprawling 192-acre parklands of Toronto’s Exhibition Place attracted over a million visitors. Bollywood choreographer Shiamak Davar and celebrity chef Vikram Vij participated in the programmes.
Davar’s dance troupe performed on the concluding day of the fair on September 7 at the international pavilion of Enercare Centre in the afternoon.Vikram Vij, who was part of the celebrity chef entertainment segment of the fair, participated in a cooking demonstration on the Food Network Celebrity Stage on August 30. Vij, who was born in India and came to Canada in 1989, is well known for his appearances on Top Chef Canada and Recipe to Riches. He is also the first Indian to be featured on CBC TV’s Dragon Den.

Indian handicrafts, handmade wall paintings, metalwork, decorative collectibles and traditional shoes were sold at the international pavilion. The Jammu and Kashmir stall sold pashmina, and jewellery traders showcased designs made with precious and semi-precious stones. Indian ethnic wear including saris and salwar-kameez were also sold in the stalls.
Indian food including a variety of north and south Indian delicacies and fast food was also sold at the venue.