Canada’s biggest South Asian festival has arrived in Mississauga

Mississauga’s downtown core is going Bollywood this weekend as Canada’s largest South Asian arts festival hits town.

Celebration Square once again hosts the #BollywoodMonster Mashup festival, a two-day cultural extravaganza featuring international Bollywood stars, dance performances, concerts, sizzling food, shopping, a laser show and more.

Now in its 14th year in the city, the festival runs Friday from 4 to 11 p.m. and Saturday from 2 to 11 p.m. Admission both days is free, with entertainment and activities geared towards families and people of all ages.

Organizers say the annual festival combines authentic South Asian cuisine and street food with live music from major Bollywood stars, free and fun family activities, and local vendors selling jewelry and clothes.

Kids’ and family entertainment this year includes an animal-centred improv theatre, bubble show, hula hoop artist and a circus performer.

“You’ll be able to dance and sing along to live music while eating delicious food and shopping at the #BollywoodMonster Bazaar,” organizers said earlier.

Entertainers headlining this year’s festival include Kavita Krishnamurti, Yasser Desai, L. Subramaniam and the #BollywoodMonster Orchestra.

The festival returned to Celebration Square in 2022 after being held virtually the previous two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

More information is available on the festival’s website.

(Cover photo: #BollywoodMonster Mashup)