​Parades to fireworks: Building bridges on Canada Day in Kincardine

To the Editor:

Monday, July 1, I had the immense pleasure of participating in the 157th Canada Day celebration in our charming Town of Kincardine, on the banks of Lake Huron, with Abhilasha and Virat.

Canada is a unique and diverse country that embraces a large number of immigrants from all over the world, truly embodying the spirit of unity in diversity. Kincardine is also becoming a multicultural hub due to the abundant job opportunities and potential for new businesses.

The Canada Day celebration began with a vibrant parade featuring a Scottish band, where most attendees donned red and white, proudly walking in unison. I love parades and felt great to be a part of this one and the regular Saturday evening parade.

The Canadian flag was raised high on the pole, and our mayor and MP greeted the crowd with heartfelt speeches, welcoming all with respect. The festivities included food stalls, children's activities, and culminated in a spectacular fireworks display over our beautiful Lake.

I arrived in Canada 30 years ago, and for the past 23 years, Kincardine has been our cherished home. In my view, true immigration is a two-way process. The majority population and culture must welcome immigrants with open hearts, and immigrants must, in turn, respect the norms and laws of their new land, contributing to its betterment.

For several decades, the Scottish Festival has been a beloved tradition in our town, bringing joy to all and is being celebrated this weekend. Building on this spirit of cultural celebration, 19 years ago, we initiated the Multicultural Festival in our town. This event now attracts over 10 per cent of the town’s population and features 25 booths showcasing different cultures and countries. It has become a vibrant celebration of diversity and mutual respect. The 20th festival is planned for May 13, 2025, and you are all invited.

Continuing and cherishing the spirit of knowing each other’s culture deeply, we launched the Festival of India in 2023, where we celebrate Sanatan Hindu culture in an open house format and tie friendship bands to local leaders, administrators, service providers, and each other (Raksha Bandhan). Our third festival is set for Saturday, Aug. 17, from 2:30-6 p.m. This free event is open to everyone and features delicious authentic cuisine, including samosas, curry, and desserts. Please mark your calendars and join us at Victoria Park.

The Swajan Samanvay Sanatan group embodies the commitment to unity, co-existence, and timeless wisdom from diverse cultures rooted in the Sanatan Philosophy of Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam. We actively engage with various faith groups to share positivity and strengthen our Canadian society. We are fortunate to have roots in one of the world's oldest cultures, Sanatan Hindu from India, and to now call Kincardine, Canada, our home. Serving our community selflessly and contributing to a better Canada while keeping our cultural roots intact, is a privilege.

These festive events in our town foster respect for all, allow us to enjoy and strengthen our roots, and help us become strong Canadian citizens contributing to love, respect, and peace; thereby, strengthening the Canadian mosaic.

Chandra Shekhar Tripathi
Kincardine