The Flower City Friends Club (FCFC) recently celebrated the vibrant Teej festival, combining cultural festivities with a Dental Awareness Seminar. The seminar, conducted by Dia Dentistry, focused on the importance of dental care from an early age, offering essential tips for maintaining oral health. Attendees also received detailed information on the newly approved Canadian Federal Dental Plan for seniors, ensuring they are well-informed about the benefits available to them.
The Teej festival, traditionally celebrated by women in the Indian subcontinent, holds deep cultural significance. It symbolizes the union of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva and is a celebration of marital bliss, the monsoon season, and the bond between women. It is a time for women to come together, dress in vibrant colors, sing folk songs, and perform traditional dances. The Flower City Friends Club honored these traditions while also incorporating modern elements into the festivities.
Members enjoyed a variety of ethnic foods representing different cultures, reflecting the diverse makeup of the community. The event also featured lively dance performances, including bhangra and gidha, with both individual and group performances that captured the spirit of Teej.
A highlight of the celebration was the Tambola game, an Indian version of bingo, which brought excitement and fun to the event. Paul Vicente, Regional Councillor of Brampton, who served as the chief guest, actively participated in the Tambola game, much to the delight of the members. Councillor Vicente emphasized the importance of dental care, stating, “Oral health is a vital component of our overall well-being, and it’s crucial to start caring for our teeth from an early age. Events like these, which combine cultural celebration with educational seminars, are invaluable in raising awareness within our community.”
He also spoke about the significance of the Teej festival, adding, “Teej is a celebration of life, love, and togetherness. It’s a beautiful way to honor our cultural roots while fostering a sense of unity within the community. The Flower City Friends Club has done a commendable job in organizing this event, which not only preserves our traditions but also educates and brings joy to everyone involved.”
Gian Paul, Chairman of the Flower City Friends Club, expressed his gratitude for the event’s success. He noted, “We are thrilled by the turnout and the positive energy at this celebration. The Dental Awareness Seminar was an essential part of our event, as dental health is often neglected. We wanted to ensure that our members, especially seniors, are informed about the new dental plan. The cultural activities, including the Tambola game and ethnic food, added to the richness of the event, making it a day to remember.”
The event concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session where participants had the opportunity to interact directly with the dental professionals from Dia Dentistry, ensuring all their concerns were addressed.
The Flower City Friends Club continues to set an example by blending cultural events with educational initiatives for the betterment of the community.