The Toronto Arya Samaj invites everyone to join in the vibrant celebration of Indo-Caribbean heritage at the 27th Annual Indian Arrival Day Exhibit and Presentations on Saturday, May 3 at the Vedic Cultural Centre in Markham.
This free, family-friendly event will kick off with an exhibition at 3:30 p.m., followed by an evening stage program at 6:30 p.m.
“For 26 years, we’ve dedicated our resources to sharing this vital story — at no cost to the public,” said Adit Kumar, president of the Toronto Arya Samaj. “As interest in this event has grown, so has its offerings. This year, we’ve added more presentations, activities for kids, and innovative ways for the community to engage with this history.”
The event will highlight the historical journey of Indian migrants during the era of indentureship, a little-known chapter in colonial history that significantly shaped the Caribbean. Between the 1830s and 1917, nearly one million Indians were transported to colonies across the British Empire under exploitative contracts, with many settling in countries like Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica.
Attendees can explore a curated exhibit featuring historical artifacts, enjoy cultural performances, and watch a live cooking demonstration by Guyanese-Canadian chef Devan Rajkumar (Chef Dev), where he will showcase a recipe from his cookbook, Mad Love.
A fashion showcase tracing Indo-Caribbean style from the 1800s to the present day will also be featured, alongside storytelling, music, and dance.
“We welcome everyone — whether you’re curious about Caribbean culture or just looking to experience something new,” said Varun Kumar, co-chair of the South Asian Heritage Planning Committee. “This is a celebration of resilience, shared heritage, and community.”
While Indo-Caribbean communities have contributed to Canadian society since the 1950s, many Canadians remain unaware of the country’s historical ties to colonial-era migration and the Indo-Caribbean experience. Organizers hope the exhibit will help bridge that gap and offer a deeper understanding of how migration, resilience, and culture shape today’s communities.
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