In sub-zero temperatures, more than 10,000 people converged on the city's Pearson Convention Centre to enjoy the day-long extravaganza.

The high point was the selection of the first Indo-Canadian Idol, IANS reported.

After months of elimination rounds, the organizers presented 10 finalists to the audience and three judges to pick up the winner on the basis of performance.

The title went to Ferzana Bohra. The second place went to Anusha Sivalingum. Kajori Chakrovarty and Dhiraj Barla both came third.

The winner was given a token award of $500 by Panorama India co-chair Ajit Khanna. The runner-up got $300.

"The Indian Idol contest is our attempt to enthuse our new generation about India and Indian culture,'' said Khanna.

Kala Pillarisetty, co-chair, welcomed the guests and said events such as these serve not only as occasions of celebration to the Indo-Canadian communities, but offer an opportunity to pass on the traditions and heritage to the younger generation.

Among the audience were Indo-Canadian minister Harinder Takhar, Indian consul general Preeti Saran, Order-of-Canada recipient Lata Pada, newly anointed Senator Vim Kochhar, Toronto Police Board chief Alok Mukherjee, MPs Ruby Dhalla and Gurbax Malhi and Mayor Hazel McCallion.

In his message Prime Minister Stephen Harper said: "Just as the community is thriving, so too is Canada's relationship with India."