Toronto, Aug 12 - Indian Canadians celebrated India's independence day in advance by holding a grand parade and a cultural extravaganza in the heart of the city here.

Led by Panorama India, an umbrella cultural organization of Indian groups, thousands of Indian Canadians took part in the independence day parade in Dundas Square where Indian consul general Preeti Saran unfurled the national flag.

Saran also read the independence day message from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as thousands of Indian Canadians and Canadians, including two local ministers and legislators, joined in singing India's national anthem.

The Indian envoy lauded the role of the expatriate community as the true ambassadors of India abroad.

She referred to India's rise on the world stage and asked them to serve as a link between India and Canada.

Harinder Takhar, Indian-origin minister in the Ontario provincial government, praised India for its rapid progress and said he was proud of his Indian heritage.

Ajit Khanna, co-chair of Panorama India and an influential Indian Canadian, said: 'We plan to take this Indian cultural shows to the level of Caribana (the famous Caribbean culture festival in Toronto that draws hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world).

'This event showcases our rich cultural heritage not only to Canadians and others, but also our youth born here.