'Our Canada is ruined': This Onam celebration in Toronto is facing backlash from both Canadians and Indians, here's why
Kerala's Onam festival, celebrated with flair at Toronto's Dundas Square, has stirred controversy after a viral video of the event. Both Canadians and Indians in Canada criticised it for lacking civic sense, leading to a broader debate. But, what’s the real issue behind the uproar?
Indians from Kerala worldwide recently came together to celebrate Onam, the vibrant harvest and cultural festival that holds a special place in their hearts. However, a video of an Onam celebration in Canada, shared on Instagram, has stirred controversy and received a wave of criticism on social media.
Check out the video here:
In the video captured at Toronto's Dundas Square, a vibrant celebration of Onam, the cherished Kerala harvest festival, was showcased with a prominent 'Maha Onam' sign and a lively crowd.
While the festival appeared to be a joyful affair, it has sparked a heated debate online, drawing mixed reactions.
The comments section quickly filled with criticism, not only from Canadians but also from members of the Indian community in Canada.
Some voiced their disappointment, with one commenter stating, "I am an Indian from Kerala living in Canada, and I didn't come all this way to see such events here."
Another lamented, "Our Canada is ruined," while a third added that this was an embarrassment to all Mallus.
A few comments took a more drastic stance, with one suggesting, "Why should we bring our culture into foreign countries? All cultural activities from Punjab, Kerala, Gujrat, Tamil Nadu etc should be banned from Canada..I am from Kerala, India and really ashamed of the amount of racist comments."
Several criticised the event's organisation, claiming it displayed "zero civic sense" and was merely a "fake cultural show-up."
Yet, others defended the celebration, pointing out that the event was held in an area known for cultural festivities and had obtained the necessary permits. "This is not like other people taking speakers and dancing in the middle of the side walk," one user explained.
CREDIT: BCCL | Representational image
On Reddit, discussions continued, with some accusing the Indian community in Canada of being reluctant to integrate into Canadian culture, thus facing backlash.
However, others countered this view, arguing, "Celebrating the culture of the country where you are from doesn't mean you are not loyal to the one you are living in. On the argument of hate to the Indian community due to not integrating, a lot of the hate is due to the rising xenophobia in Canada."
Further, a commenter reflected on the broader issues, stating, "I do not actually blame the Indians themselves because the Trudeau government has made our immigration system a pathetic joke."
They point out that the Canadian administration's immigration policies have resulted in overpopulation, strained infrastructure, and heightened xenophobia.
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CREDIT: BCCL | Representational image
