From the time Costco began stocking ‘Golgappe’—or ‘Pani-puri’ for those in the know—Canada’s multicultural landscape took on a distinctly Indian flavor.
Samosas and dosas are now beloved snack foods, with ghee making its way to the shelves of big retailers like Superstore, Save-on-Foods, and even Walmart. Not only do these stores offer an entire aisle dedicated to Indian groceries—from dals and achaars to a rainbow of spices—but they also roll out Diwali and Vaisakhi specials each year.
Canada Post even got in on the action, releasing a Diwali stamp a few years back—a small but significant tribute to the festival of lights. Meanwhile, political leaders and VIPs enthusiastically partake in langar meals at Gurdwaras and Mandirs, experiencing the joy of community service through simple, soulful food.
In Walmart’s clothing section, salwar-kameez quietly mingles with jeans, showcasing the seamless blend of cultures.
And who could forget the vibrant Vaisakhi parades? The streets of Vancouver and Surrey come alive with the aroma of crispy pakoras and syrupy jalebis as the rhythmic beats of the dhol entice even Prime Minister Trudeau to let loose and show off his bhangra moves.
It doesn’t stop there. Bollywood and Punjabi blockbusters play at regular cinemas, and Punjabi and Hindi languages have found their way into Canadian school curriculums.
These milestones, among many others, add layers to Canada’s multicultural mosaic, creating an ambience of India right here on Canadian soil.
In fact, one could argue that Indians abroad enjoy more India than Indians in India—wrapped in the warmth of nostalgia, festivals, and fusion, where every beat of dhol and whiff of ghee connects them to their roots across the ocean.
Promod Puri.com 