South Asian culture will be on full display at this mela

Within South Asian culture, art, music, and dance play crucial roles in celebrations.

And when Sami Brar’s parents came to Canada from Punjab, they continued to observe these practices, but it happened within the family bubble, not in mainstream society.

But that’s all about to change.

Brar is the producer of the inaugural OKGN MELA, a South Asian arts festival at the Creekside Theatre in Lake Country on Sept. 17.

“It’s about creating a space for young people to be able to come celebrate their identities, be their authentic selves and be in a space where they may not have traditionally been represented,” Brar told Kelowna10.

‘Mela’ is a Sanskrit word for gathering or to meet, which will be at the heart of the event. It will be filled with people from across southern Asia, celebrating their commonalities, as well as diversities.

For example, some headliners will sing in English, others Punjabi.

An interactive event, the mela will have an art gallery to appreciate visual pieces, a poetry section, a market, as well as the theatre for musical performances.

Brar hopes the mela will help people bond and strengthen community, as well as encourage youth to pursue artistic passions.

“You see an artist doing what they love and putting themselves out there, if you’re considering it this might be the event that inspires you to do that,” she said.

The day will feature 12 artists from Western Canada. Punjabi singer and poet Robyn Sandhu will be headlining the musical performances alongside Vancouver based artist RAANI. Kelowna duo, the Kandola Bros, made up of Arpan and Anmol, will also take the stage.

Speaking to Kelowna10, Arpan explained how he and his brother got the push to pursue music after their father passed away in 2017.

“Since then, we’ve been really focusing on creating music that’s representing our authentic selves and trying to bring out more inspiration for the kids that are upcoming in the space as well,” Arpan said.

Their musical style is rooted in Sufi and Punjabi music, but he said the new album is very versatile with hints of EDM or violin in a track.

Arpan said he and his siblings were the only kids of Indian descent in school growing up, but had rich culture at home to keep them rooted in their heritage.

He feels the Mela is needed to shine a light on the South Asian talent in the Okanagan and inspire youth like his nephew, who is a fan of the Kandola Bros. music and videos.

“For him to be in an event like this as a young five-year-old, the world is his oyster,” Arpan said. “He can do anything at that point, and it allows them to build confidence in themselves to know, ‘I can embrace my culture.’”