The Vedic Arya Cultural Society (VACS), the umbrella organization of several Arya Samaj temples in Ontario, proudly celebrated Indian Independence Day (भारतीय स्वतंत्रता दिवस) 2025 at Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, on August 17, 2025. Members and volunteers from various Arya Samaj branches across Ontario came together to mark this grand occasion with devotion and pride.
Each year, Panorama India hosts one of the largest community celebrations in downtown Toronto, where cultural organizations, provincial associations, and community groups showcase the richness of Indian heritage. A highlight of the festivities is the vibrant parade, featuring beautifully designed tableaus that represent the diverse cultural traditions of India’s many provinces.
This year, Arya Samaj actively participated through its community booth, book stall, and presence in the cultural parade. Volunteers warmly welcomed visitors, introduced them to the timeless principles of Arya Samaj, and shared the teachings of saints, sages, and the Holy Vedas. Visitors also had the opportunity to explore Satyarth Prakash and other Vedic literature available at the stall.
The Arya Samaj team also joined the ceremonial rolling out of the giant Indian flag and proudly sang the national anthem alongside hundreds of attendees—paying heartfelt tribute to our motherland, Bharat (भारत).
Throughout the day, the Arya Samaj booth received a steady stream of visitors. Volunteers engaged with families and individuals about the mission of spreading Vedic knowledge, shared details of ongoing activities at Arya Samaj temples across the GTA, and distributed informational flyers. Many attendees showed deep interest, with several purchasing books and leaving their contact details for future connection.
In the grand Indian parade, Arya Samaj members raised spirited slogans that echoed through Nathan Phillips Square, including:
- ओ३म् का झंडा ऊंचा रहे
- आर्य समाज अमर रहे
Their voices also rang with patriotic chants of भारतमाताकीजय and वन्देमातरम्, which were met with great enthusiasm from the crowds.
Adding further vibrancy to the celebration, Arya Samaj’s youth volunteers organized face-painting activities for children. This initiative not only brought joy to young participants but also created meaningful opportunities to engage with parents, raise awareness about Arya Samaj’s mission, and support fundraising efforts.
The day proved to be an inspiring and rewarding experience, strengthening Arya Samaj’s presence in the GTA Indian community while furthering its mission of sharing the light of the Vedas with all.
We are delighted to share a collection of images and videos from this memorable celebration with our readers.
