Punjabi culture is well known for its vibrancy, warmth, and rich traditions and in the hopes of creating a new one in Cowichan and the collaboration of the Cowichan Intercultural Society the celebration of Teeyan Da Mela was held in Duncan's Cowichan Community Centre's Heritage Hall for the first time on Aug. 2 to celebrate the incredible strength, and spirit of women.
"The first-ever Teeyan Da Mela in Duncan was a truly special experience," said organizer Satpal Kaur. "It felt incredibly heartwarming and emotional to see over 100 immigrant women from different backgrounds come together to celebrate Punjabi culture, womanhood, and community. Many women told me this reminded them of home — the singing, dancing, colourful attire, and sisterhood brought a sense of belonging and joy that many of them deeply needed."
Kaur who works as a Settlement and Community Connections Worker as well as a Women’s program coordinator with the Cowichan Intercultural Society organizes a monthly Women’s Circle where she supports immigrant women in building community, confidence, and cultural connection. She says the idea to hold the first Teeyan Da Mela celebration in Duncan came from working with immigrant women through the society's monthly Women’s Circle program.
"I wanted to create a space where they could reconnect with their roots, celebrate freely, and feel seen and valued in the wider community," said Kaur.
What more of a significant and beautiful way to do this than through the spirit of Teeyan Da Mela which is celebrated widely celebrated across Canada. In Punjabi Teeyan (Tee-aan) refers to a traditional festival celebrated by women during the monsoon season which takes place throughout July and August, while “Mela” means a fair with either stalls, or one of gathering so this day of festivities literally translates to a ' fair of of women'. In the past, married women would return to their maternal homes during this time to reunite with family, apply henna, sing , dance, wear colourful Punjabi suits and simply enjoy time together.
Attendees had the option to have a true taste of India and order a full dinner which included dessert and Masala Chai, making the meal and celebration even sweeter was a cake donated from Save-on-Foods. Those who attended also found awe with the several stalls filled with Punjabi clothing, jewellery, and henna to purchase, one of the purest forms of the Punjabi culture is it's music and dance and there was plenty of it, as well as a lucky draw, and contest for best dressed. This stunning festival of connection, cultural pride, and pure joy was truly a sight to be seen as women clad in vibrant traditional clothing came together to celebrate sisterhood, dance, music, and culture.
"Teeyan is more than a festival – it’s a deep expression of joy, sisterhood, and cultural pride," said Kaur.. "It honours daughters, sisters, and mothers. My hope was that every woman left feeling seen, celebrated, and connected — and I truly believe that happened."
My hope is that attendees, especially
Kaur hopes that other immigrant women who are new to the Cowichan Valley or even those who been here for many years feel encouraged to reach out to her. For more information on being part of the society's monthly women’s group, or to become more involved with the society as a whole please contact Satpal Kaur at [email protected] or by phoning or texting her at 250-710-6937.
