The early evening sun cast a glow on the festivities at Wentworth Park Saturday evening when people began to gather for the Great Indian Carnival marking the 80th anniversary of Independence. As the evening went on, hundreds more people flocked to the park for the food, music, dance and even a magic show. ROSEMARY GODIN/Cape Breton PostArticle contentThe Great Indian Carnival drew hundreds of people to Wentworth Park Saturday night to celebrate the 80th Independence Day of India. The vibrant multicultural festival was marked by an evening of culture, music, dance, food, and friendship as people celebrated diversity and community. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentAugust 15 is not just a date on the calendar, said Cape Breton University Student Union President Paarth Mehla when he addressed the large crowd during the opening ceremonies. Article contentArticle contentArticle content“It is a day that reminds us of the courage, sacrifice and determination of the countless people who fought for India’s freedom. Their sacrifices give us the opportunity to live the freedom, dignity and the hope of a better future here,” Mehla said. “As Indians living, studying and working in Canada, we carry a special responsibility.’ Article content“We are proud of where we come from, while we also contribute positively to the communities we now call home, which are in Cape Breton.” Article content Saturday’s Great Indian Carnival was a feast of diversity and culture for hundreds of people who showed up to sample the food and watch music and dance performances. Among the groups and individuals who displayed their own cultures was a dance team from the Philippines, seen above. ROSEMARY GODIN/Cape Breton PostArticle contentOrganized locally by the Nova Scotia Indian Artists Association, Aug. 15 is annually celebrated in India with a public holiday. The date observes India’s independence from the United Kingdom, which happened on Aug. 15, 1947. Article contentThis transfer of legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly is remembered largely as the result of an independence movement in India that moved forward with non-violence. The peaceful civil disobedience under the leadership of revered leader Mahatma Ghandi is still spoken about with positivity today around the world. Article contentArticle contentThe family event at Wentworth Park had an official opening followed by speeches, music, food, dance and ended with a fireworks display. Article content A ceremonial candle lighting opened Saturday’s Great Indian Carnival at the Wentworth Park bandshell to mark the 80th anniversary of Independence. India’s independence from the United Kingdom was under the strong and peaceful leadership of the legendary Mhatma Ghandi. Above, left to right are Dinson Devassy, Paarth Mehla and Rinu Cyriac. ROSEMARY GODIN/Cape Breton PostArticle contentThe evening’s MC, Vaibhavi Joshi welcomed people to the festival, saying the event honoured “our cultures, our languages, our music, our traditions and that feeling of connection to home, no matter where we are in the world.” Article contentThe anniversary festival began with a candle lighting. Dignitaries of the Indian community in Cape Breton, as well as local politicians, took part in lighting a tall ceremonial brass oil lamp that is a common and deeply symbolic tradition at the beginning of Indian religious rituals, classical dance performances, weddings, or secular corporate or academic inaugurations. Article content Dance played a large role on stage at Saturday’s Indian Carnival held in Wentworth Park. Above, Joann Chin Yet strikes a pose from the semi-classical fusion dance she performed that evening. The graceful dance blended Indian classical dance foundations with non-classical elements such as folk, contemporary, or Western genres. ROSEMARY GODIN/Cape Breton PostArticle contentBoth MLA Derek Mombourquette and MP Mike Kelloway praised the diversity of cultures that were in the park Saturday. Article content“It’s wonderful to see people in Wentworth Park coming together to celebrate the rich Indian culture that we have in this community,” said Mombourquette. Article contentHe said other cultures were the beginning of the story of Cape Breton. Article content“We’re seeing that story being rewritten by newcomers coming from all over the world with their families to call Cape Breton home. Article contentKelloway said diversity is the strength of Cape Breton. Article content“It’s our superpower,” he said. Article contentRosemary Godin is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for the Cape Breton Post, a position funded by the federal government. Article content
Indian culture fills Wentworth Park with sound and colour
