8th annual Sawan Mela this weekend

Attendees of this upcoming weekend’s Sawan Mela “Summer Festival” need not worry about the weather.
Rain or shine, attendees of the festival will have the cover of a giant 10,000 square foot tent for the mainstage performances, and the outdoor screening of Bollywood’s 1998 classic “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai”.
Visitors also have access to shuttle service from Burrard Station to Stanley Park, Lumberman’s Arch for all the fun.
Food for the festival is being headlined by House of Dosas proprietor Raj Muttavanchery who has pledged one dollar from every dosa sold in benefit of Indian AIDS orphans through the World Malayalee Council. House of Dosas, located at the corner of Kingsway and Knight, has been a local favourite for years.
WHEN: June 12 and 13 at Lumberman’s Arch in Stanley Park. Outdoor movie screening of “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” takes place the evening of June 12. All events are free.
MORE INFO: www.safa.ca

Saturday Lineup:
Eagle Song Dancers: Squamish First Nation
Brides of India Fashion Show sponsored in part by Raaj Collections and Criminal Eyes make-up
Giddha by Bhangra Beats Academy
Welcome by The President of SAFA, Suki Grewal, His Worship Mayor Gregor Robertson and the Hon. Dr. Hedy Fry
Sukhraj:  Punjabi Vocalist
Shalini:  Vocalist
Merlyn Prakash:  Bollywood
Cuban Salsa by Arassay Reyes from So You Think You Can Dance!
Jayda Mangat:  Hip-Hop and Tap Dancing
Zahra Habib:  Arabic/Middle Eastern
Turban Tying Demonstration by Radio Shere Punjab
Greeting by Hon. Minister Jason Kenney and MLA Sue Hammell
PCAC Kuriyan:  Bhangra
Ananya Dance Company: Bharat Natyam
RJ1200’s Bolly Olympics
A-slam Productions:  5 piece Hip-hop band
Bollywood Shenanigens:  Live Sketch Comedy Troupe
Spirit of the South Seas:  Polynesian Dance

Sunday Lineup:
Tetsu Taiko
Punjabi Beat:  Bhangra
Christopher James: Magician & Illusionist
Van Cuban Salsa
Sulochana Dance Academy:  Bharata Natyam
Bluesette: Sax & Keys Jazz Duo
Sudnya Dance Academy:  Kathak, Bharata Natyam
Surrey Folk Bhangra Club:  Bhangra
Natalie Edwards:  Vocalist
Kara Race:  Water Pot Race
Duniya Dance Academy:  Bhangra & Bolly
PANJ:  Bhangra
Mannu Chopra:  stand-up comedian
Centro Flamenco
Korean Arts Drummers
Don Strom Guitarist
Surrey India Arts Club:  Bhangra
Karima Essa Academy:  Bollywood
Roti-Making Competition
Kiran Ahluwalia:  a 45 minute set with her backup musicians