MISSISSAUGA: The GTA South Asian audience witnessed the first of its kind event last weekend – a jam-packed show with Bollywood, Bhangra and Garba all under the same roof showcased at The International Centre. Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie inaugurated MAHOTSAV, The South Asian SummerFest.

The festival included local talented dance groups danceShala, Bollywood Emotions, Afsana Dance Group, Gabru Rangeelay bringing art form to life along with interactive activities by Geetanjali Musical Group breaking out into Garba and Dandiya on the dance floor. Lastly, making everyone sweat it out was Bollywood Zumba instructor Sneha Kapadia.

Mahotsav drew a star-struck crowd from all over the GTA, to catch their favourite performers. The lucky ones had the chance to meet, take photos and even dance on stage with the charming actor from ZEE TV’s most popular TV series Kumkum Bhagya, “Abhi” also known as Shabbir Ahluwalia.

If that wasn’t exciting enough, people of all ages enjoyed a live concert from Indo-Canadian vocalists Shweta Subram, The PropheC, Parichay, upcoming rapper from Orlando, Zeshan and last but not least, international celebrity artists and Bollywood’s “Baby Doll” Kanika Kapoor and Punjabi Powerhouses Nindy Kaur and Manj Musik.

This was a fund-raising event for Maple Diversity Foundation, a not-for-profit organization committed to meaningful and early settlement of new immigrants and promoting cultural diversity in Canada. Mahotsav promises to be an annual event bringing bigger, better entertainment to the South Asian community in the Greater Toronto Area. For more details – www.mahotsav.ca