Moksha Festival: A Celebration of Music, Art, & Community
The inaugural Moksha Festival was a breathtaking celebration of Indian Classical music and cultural unity, held at the stunning Rose Theatre in Brampton.
Drawing a buzzing audience of 650 people, the event featured extraordinary performances by globally acclaimed artists, alongside vibrant lobby showcases of local talent, a stunning art gallery of Canadian artists, and a lively vendor market highlighting diverse local businesses.
More than a festival, Moksha was a heartfelt tribute to the late Mohan Singh Dahaley, a beloved teacher and community figure, whose legacy of togetherness and inspiration infused the event.
This remarkable debut not only honored the timeless beauty of Indian Classical music but also celebrated the rich tapestry of Brampton's artistic and cultural spirit, setting the stage for a yearly celebration sure to become a beloved tradition in the City’s future.
What is Moksha?
Moksha in Indian philosophy refers to liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara) and the attainment of spiritual enlightenment. It is the ultimate goal in Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, representing eternal bliss and unity with the divine.
In Indian classical music, Moksha can be seen as a transcendental experience for both musician and listener. The improvisational ragas and intricate taals evoke rasa, creating an immersive, transformative state. For musicians, performing is a form of spiritual practice (sadhana), while listeners can experience moksha by connecting to the music on a deep, immaterial level.
Their performances showcase the power of music to bridge divides and celebrate a common cultural legacy.
2024’s Festival Theme:
Uniting the Subcontinent Through Indian Classical Music
This year's theme unites three artists with diverse experiences shaped by Partition. Despite colonial-era divisions, they highlight how the shared heritage of Indian classical music transcends borders, connecting them beyond their histories.
A unifying force, Mohan ji’s contributions fostered connection and excellence in music, leaving an enduring legacy. Though his loss created a profound void, this festival seeks to honor his memory by reviving the top-quality music programs he championed and continuing the traditions he so passionately upheld.
An Ode to a Great: Ustad Mohan Singh Dahaley
Mohan Singh Dahaley was a cherished community leader, masterful musician, and pillar of the Indian classical and semi-classical music community in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). As a tabla teacher to hundreds, including the founders of Third Space Music, he inspired generations while creating platforms that uplifted countless artists and nurtured a vibrant musical culture.
At The Rose Theatre: A Historic Landmark of Brampton
Drawing a buzzing audience of 650 people, the event took place at the breathtaking Rose Theatre, a historic landmark of Brampton. To see such a venue and its lobby packed with culture and art, stunning performances, and a diverse audience of all backgrounds felt it did justice to what the place was intended to be when it was made.
We celebrate the rich talent of our community by providing a dynamic platform for local artists to shine. Rooted in a spirit of inclusivity and excellence, Moksha Festival is more than a stage—it's a space where artists and audiences come together to inspire, uplift, and revel in the power of artistic expression.
Platform for Local Artists
Stunning Art Gallery and Vendor Pop Up Market
Moksha goes beyond just music by celebrating Brampton artists and local businesses and providing a platform of exposure to these incredible individuals that make our city so amazing. Together, these spaces celebrate the spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship, inviting festivalgoers to explore, connect, and take home a piece of the vibrant Moksha experience.
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