[Brampton, ON – July 11-13, 2025] The 43rd Carabram Multicultural Festival was held with great fanfare in the city of Brampton, Ontario. As one of Ontario’s most representative community cultural events, this year’s festival marked a historic first: China and India co-hosted a joint cultural pavilion in celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. On July 12 at 1:00 PM, a grand opening ceremony was held for the China-India Pavilion, attended by federal, provincial, and municipal officials, along with representatives from the Chinese Consulate.
A Landmark Collaboration: China-India Pavilion Debuts to Promote Cultural Exchange
With the theme of “Cultural Bridges, Shared Celebration,” this year’s festival featured the first-ever China-India Pavilion, highlighting the vibrant cultural diversity of Asia. Visitors were treated to exhibitions of traditional attire, cuisine, and handicrafts from both countries, along with performances including traditional dance, martial arts, and music — a true showcase of the convergence of two ancient civilizations.
Deputy Consul General Cheng Hongbo and Consul Wang Zehua from the Chinese Consulate in Toronto attended the ceremony and delivered congratulatory remarks. They commended the growing friendship and cultural exchanges between China and India and encouraged community groups to continue fostering people-to-people connections and cultural collaboration.
Government Leaders Show Strong Support
The event drew attendance and speeches from multiple levels of government, demonstrating broad support for multicultural cooperation. Distinguished guests included:
- MP Shafqat Ali, Chair of the Treasury Board
- MP Rechie Valdez, Minister for Women and Gender Equality, and Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism
- MPP Sheref Sabawy, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
- Deputy Mayor Harkirat Singh, City of Brampton
- Councillors Martin Medeiros and Paul Vicente, City of Brampton
MP Shafqat Ali remarked, “This joint pavilion is not only a celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, but a testament to community cohesion and cultural inclusivity. Every cultural heritage plays a vital role in Canada’s social and economic development.”
MP Rechie Valdez added, “Carabram celebrates not just cultural diversity, but also entrepreneurship, women’s leadership, and local tourism. The collaboration between the Chinese, Indian, and Nepali communities sends a powerful message of peace, unity, and shared growth.”
Ivan Huang: Multiculturalism is Canada’s True Identity
Ivan Hung, President of the Brampton Chinese Business Association and the chief organizer of the China-India Pavilion, shared his heartfelt reflections during the opening ceremony.
“In this vibrant and diverse festival, the partnership between China and India not only showcases the beauty of our traditions, but also symbolizes our shared vision for peace, cultural exchange, and unity,” said Huang. “Multicultural events like this offer platforms for different communities to connect, share, and understand each other. They also help the next generation integrate more deeply into society while staying rooted in their cultural heritage — building a stronger and more united Canadian identity.”
Deputy Consul General Cheng Hongbo: Strengthening Trilateral Cooperation Through Cultural Exchange
Deputy Consul General Cheng Hongbo offered his congratulations and praised the creative collaboration behind the joint pavilion. He reiterated the Chinese Consulate’s continued support for Chinese communities participating in mainstream Canadian society, and expressed hope that such cultural events would enhance mutual understanding between peoples.
“Through interaction in culture, arts, and human connection, the bonds between China, Canada, India, and other nations will only grow stronger,” said Cheng.（ LJI by Rudy& Elaine)
