HCCA Kite Festival 2023

L to R: Sujata Sharan, Board Member, HCCA, Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan, and Aruna Narola, Founder and President of HCCA.

Burlington, ON – June 17, 2023 – The Halton Community and Cultural Association (HCCA) recently celebrated the 2nd Annual Kite Festival on Sunday, June 11, 2023. The festival, held at Brant Hills Park in Burlington, was a resounding success, attracting a sold-out crowd of 800 attendees across two-time slots, from 11 am to 2 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm.

Uttarayan, the famous festival celebrated in the western state of Gujarat, India, also known as Makar Sankranti, inspired this vibrant event in other parts of the country. Uttarayan is a festival dedicated to the sun god, marking the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar Rashi) and symbolizing the end of winter and the beginning of longer days.

“Despite unfavorable weather forecasts, HCCA was fortunate to host the festival without hindrance. The attendees experienced a mesmerizing spectacle of kite flying, which is the most prominent feature of Uttarayan. The colorful kites soaring high in the sky added a vibrant touch to the event and created a festive atmosphere for all to enjoy,” said Aruna Narola, Founder and President of HCCA.

The festival attracted notable guests, including Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, who expressed her enthusiasm for exploring different cultures and appreciated the opportunity to learn about India’s tradition of kite flying.

In her speech, she claimed, “We want to make sure we want to have either more of these festivals or use the whole park to ensure we could get so many people in.”

She humorously concluded her speech by stating that she can now tell her colleagues to “go fly a kite” without it being taken as an insult.

Ward 5 Councillor Paul Sharman, who has visited India multiple times, extended his gratitude to everyone involved in making the festival a grand success and encouraged the community to continue supporting such events in the future.

Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan, a Burlington native, expressed his delight in experiencing a kite festival for the first time. He eagerly tried various Indian delicacies from the local vendors, immersing himself in the cultural experience.

The HCCA extends its heartfelt appreciation to all the volunteers, sponsors, board members, and the executive team for their invaluable support. Their dedication and commitment made it possible to organize this remarkable community event and spread joy among the attendees.

The 2nd Annual Kite Festival served as a testament to the HCCA’s mission to celebrate diversity and promote cultural understanding within the Burlington community. The association looks forward to organizing more vibrant events and continuing to contribute to the rich tapestry of Burlington’s cultural landscape.

For media inquiries or more information about the Halton Community and Cultural Association, please get in touch with MUKTA Advertising at info@m-a.ca.

About the Halton Community and Cultural Association (HCCA): The Halton Community and Cultural Association is a non-profit organization promoting cultural diversity and fostering community engagement in the Halton region. The association organizes events and initiatives yearly to celebrate different cultures and provide cultural exchange and understanding platforms. For more information, please visit www.thehaltoncommunity.org.

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