'Scarborough Folk Festival', attempting to unite the best in global folk music, will be held in Toronto today. The event aims to build bridges between the cultures of different countries, as well as taking the roots of folk culture to the new generation.

It is the first multicultural folk fest, organised by Bangladeshi youths in the country. 

The day-long event, which combines the cultural heritage of Canada's indigenous culture with the ones amongst immigrant communities, also portrays a significant part of Bangladeshi culture. The exceptional festival is taking place from 11 pm to 9 pm, at Thomson Memorial Park in Scarborough.

Organised by the non-profit organization 'Parampara Canada', the event will be attended by 15 invited  artists from other parts of the world, as well as 125 local artistes from different communities.

Usually, events organized by Bangladeshi organisations are usually limited to the participation of the Bangladeshi community, and Parampara Canada has moved away from that practice, involving all communities.

In this regard, Jyoti Dutta Purkayastha, secretary of 'Parampara Canada', said that through culture, establishing links between different communities, improving relationships is encouraged.

Organizers said that the new generation of children in the community is playing an important role in organizing and managing the Scarborough Folk Festival. Mainak Sen, Bornomala Anindita and Jyoti Dutta Purkayastha are three young women who are involved in organising this festival.  There are also special programmes, performed by the youth of Scarborough.

 Speaking about the event, Ujjal Das, Art Director, Scarborough Folk Festival, said, "Tackling racism and racial discrimination, strengthening intercultural and interfaith empathy in Canadian society is our primary motive. One of the goals of this festival is to create public opinion in favor of creating a fair opportunities for all."

Stating that the organizers are trying their best to establish the Scarborough Folk Festival as an exceptional example, Ujjal Das sought cooperation from all.

The following is an overview of the Fest:

- Gala Opening by Shukanya Nrittangan (led by Aruna Haider)

- Youth Open Stage: vibrant performances by youth members of our Scarborough community. 

- Therapeutic Healing Dance by Munni Subhani

- Sarangi (Instrumental) by Pankaj Mishra 

- Tunes of the 60s by Alex Larocci 

- Lavani (Marathi) dance by Shweni Parmar (Nritya Palette)

- Caribbean Drum Music by Aaron "LoveSound" 

- Dotara (Instrumental) by Junaed Chayan

- Qawwali by Afzal Subhani

- Sai Dance School (Sri Lankan Dance)

- Tribute to the late Legendary Lata Mangeshkar by Kavita Mishra 

- Afghan Dance by Ensemble Topaz

- Performance by SHOOR Band

- Uzbeck Dance by Ensemble Topaz

- Performance by Manush Band

- Padabali Kirtan by Ajamila & Team

- Bhangra by Nawab & Team (SIFAT

- Yatra Pala by Manik Chanda, Shirin Chowdhury, Urmee Nushrat 

- Traditional Wedding Songs of Bengal by Nrittha Kala Kendra (led by Biplab Kar)

- First Nations Performance - Isaiah Cada & Family

- Caribbean Hip-hop - Teria Morada Music

- Sylheti Dhamail by Gouri Chowdhury