Toronto, Ontario, Canada: The Ontario Telugu Foundation (OTF) organised a spectacular Diwali celebration at the Eastdale Auditorium in Toronto, Canada, bringing together over 1,000 members of the Telugu community for an evening filled with cultural pride and festive joy.
The event was beautifully anchored by Bhavana Pagidela, Aparna Kandula, Rinda Santhapuram, and Vilok Challa. The traditional lamp-lighting ceremony was conducted by Jhansi Badapuri, Deepa Sudi Reddy, Padmini Naru, Geetha Reddy Cherla, Sridevi Neela, and Lavanya Alluri, symbolising the spirit of unity and light over darkness.
The celebration featured vibrant cultural performances by Telugu children and artists of all ages, showcasing dance, music, and traditional art forms that highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Telugu-speaking people.
Event coordinators Praveen Neela and Muralidhar Pagidela appreciated the enthusiastic participation of the Telugu community across Ontario and Canada, expressing gratitude to the Ontario Telugu Foundation for its continued support and community service.
The event was graced by ICICI Bank Canada CEO Dr Himadar Maddipatla and his wife Anita, Pickering MP Junaita Nathan, and Regional Councillor Maliha Shahid, who attended as chief guests.
In his remarks, Dr Maddipatla emphasised, “ICICI Bank Canada continues to support the progress of Indo-Canadians and remains committed to serving the community through various initiatives that contribute to their growth and prosperity.” MP Junaita Nathan extended heartfelt Diwali greetings to all OTF members and attendees.
Numerous sponsors and contributors were recognised for their support, including ICICI Bank Canada, Ram Jinnala, Get Home Realty (Raghu Juluri, Ramesh Gollu, Anand Pericharla), Telugu Foods, Sushma Varadarajan, Kalpesh Patel, Krishna Kumari Koteru, NCPL Rambabu, Ravikiran Ippili, Dr Soujanya Kasula, Hyderabad House, Indraprastha Restaurant, Aha Restaurant, Bright Balloons Jhansi, Just Immigration, and Navarasa Indian Restaurant—the official OTF food partner. Honorees were presented with shawls and mementoes by the OTF team.
The event also included local business stalls, a raffle draw with more than 20 prizes, and complimentary traditional Indian food, snacks, and tea, provided in collaboration with OTF Food Partners.
Dr Praveen Neela commended the large turnout despite Toronto’s chilly weather and extended wishes for peace, prosperity, and happiness to all on the occasion of Diwali.
Due to scheduling and venue availability, this year’s celebration was held later than usual. The Ontario Telugu Foundation expressed heartfelt thanks to the community for their cooperation and continued support.
