466. 4th Annual Narooz Behnam Bazaar 2014

Ruth writes: I love ethnic bazaars. I went earlier today and this bazaar was lovely. It was small but it had some exquisite goodies. It continues tomorrow and Sunday, March 15 and 16.

If you want a home-cooked Persian meal, pickled olives, and costume jewellery, you can get them here. Baked goods and nuts looked like they had been factory packed and donated to the cause so they should be a bargain. You could also talk with real estate agents and a dentist with a bargain on teeth-whitening.

 

The “haft seen” display was fascinating. These are the seven items that start with the same initial in Persian as medicine, beauty and health, rebirth, affluence, etc. All of these of course are wishes for the New Year. These include garlic, a special grass, eggs, and gold fish. The heads of garlic were hand-painted and decorated with clam shells in the shape of butterflies. 

Volunteers were also selling Iranian–style housewares and flower candles. Proceeds go to indigent cancer victims in Iran through the Behnam Foundation. In spite of the sanctions, welfare aid is allowed to enter the country, said one of the volunteers.

 The Bazaar is 10-10pm, St. George’s Centre, 9116 Bayview Ave. It is south of 16th Avenue and behind the St-George Antiochian Orthodox Church. For more information about Behnam, see: http://behnamcharityofontario.org/index.php?lang=enhttp://behnamcharityofontario.org/images/events/Flyer-bazar-norooz-2014.jpg.