Faith, Festivals, and Accountability: Toronto's Desi Community Marks Milestones
Toronto's South Asian community continues to nurture its cultural roots through faith-based programming for children while also navigating accountability issues that directly affect Desi travellers and families.
🪔 BAPS Brings Diwali Joy to Toronto's Youngest Devotees
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha organized a Kids' Diwali Celebration in Toronto, offering the city's youngest South Asian community members an opportunity to engage with the festival of lights through a faith-centred gathering. The event reflects BAPS's longstanding commitment to cultural and spiritual education for children within its global network, which includes a strong presence across North America. By bringing Diwali programming specifically to younger participants, the organization reinforces the transmission of Hindu values, traditions, and community bonds to the next generation growing up in Toronto. [1]
⚖️ TICO Charges Temple Tours, Fines Another Agency in Consumer Protection Action
The Travel Industry Council of Ontario charged the former Toronto-based travel agency Temple & Temple Tours Inc with one count of withdrawing consumer funds held in trust for purposes other than those intended, a serious breach of travel industry regulations. On March 24, 2026, two individuals associated with the company — John Temple and David Temple — were each charged with failing as officers and directors to take reasonable care to prevent the corporation from committing an offence. TICO had already suspended the agency's registration in January 2025 amid allegations of misconduct, and also issued a fine against a separate agency, Happy Long Travel, as part of its ongoing enforcement activity. These actions carry significant implications for South Asian travellers who frequently rely on community-adjacent travel agencies for trips to India and other destinations. [3]
Sources: [1] BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha · [3] Open Jaw