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DESIFEST to mark 20 years at Toronto’s Sankofa Square
The festival will feature expanded programming and performances celebrating two decades of South Asian music and arts in Canada.
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Malvika Choudhary - Tue, 19, May 2026
- 17:48 EDT
- 44
Show's poster / DESIFEST
Toronto’s South Asian music and arts festival DESIFEST will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a two-day event at Sankofa Square on June 19 and 20, marking the first time the festival will expand to a full weekend format.
This year’s theme, “Where South Asian Culture Meets the World,” will feature performances spanning Bollywood, Punjabi, Bangla, Carnatic fusion, hip hop, and R&B, alongside programming that includes open mic sessions and artist showcases.
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“For 20 years, DESIFEST has been the heartbeat of the South Asian diaspora in Canada,” said Sathish Bala, founder of DESIFEST. “This 20th anniversary is about honouring our roots while aggressively spotlighting the global future of South Asian music.”
The festival said the 2026 edition will include expanded stages and performances as part of the anniversary celebrations at the downtown Toronto venue formerly known as Yonge-Dundas Square.
TD Bank Group has returned as the premier sponsor for the event and will continue supporting DESIFEST’s artist development initiatives, including Open Mic Season 4 and Sofa Sessions.
“Festivals like DESIFEST help bring people together to experience the vibrancy and diversity of our communities,” said Robyn Small. “As DESIFEST marks 20 years, TD is proud to support cultural events that foster connection and provide a platform to showcase the diverse talent that contributes to local communities.”
Founded in 2006, DESIFEST has grown from a grassroots cultural initiative into one of Canada’s largest South Asian arts festivals, supporting more than 1,000 artists and drawing over 60,000 attendees annually, according to organizers. The festival said its digital reach crossed 45 million people in 2024.
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