How do Canadians celebrate Diwali?
Diwali, an auspicious celebration celebrated by nearly a billion people worldwide, will begin on November 12th.
Diwali is a (mainly Hindu) holiday that commemorates (among other things) the triumph of good over evil, the significance of fresh beginnings, and the significance of respecting one’s ancestors. Diwali, often known as the “festival of lights,” lasts five days and is associated with a number of auspicious events in Hinduism. Some sects of Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism also commemorate the holiday (with some changes in ritual and significance). According to the Hindu Lunar calendar, Diwali also marks the beginning of the new year for many people.
In keeping with its global prominence, Diwali is also a well-known festival in Canada, with public celebrations, acknowledgment, special events, and other activities to mark the occasion. Continue reading to find out how Diwali is celebrated in Canada.
In Canada, how is Diwali celebrated?
Everything from sparkling oil lamps (or diyas) to brilliant floor arrangements (or rangoli), the sharing of great food, the gathering of friends and family, singing, dancing, and more can be found in Canada.
Outside of domestic festivities, Diwali celebrations in Canada are usually organized by a community organization—often a university student organization, cultural club, or temple. There are also larger community events that are organized in collaboration with municipal governments and are frequently staged in town centres. These festivals frequently include music, dancing, traditional Indian food markets, marketplaces, and fireworks.
If you are looking for public Diwali festivities, it is best to conduct a quick web search for activities in your area. Continue reading to learn more about some of the most important Diwali celebrations in Canada’s largest Indian communities.
Diwali Festival of Lights celebrations in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
The Festival of Lights festival, organized by the Global Arts, Culture, and Heritage Foundation, is an annual event that claims to be the largest Diwali celebration in North America.
The event will be held on the 4th and 5th of November in Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, from 12-9pm, and will include several Diwali features, such as fireworks, music and dance performances, and a large marketplace with over 100 local exhibitors. The event is free to attend and will take place on both days at the same times.
Diwali Dhamaka 2023
Diwali Dhamaka 2023, hosted by Dream Media Agency and Cocktail International Group Inc., will take place at the Capitol Banquet Centre in Mississauga on November 5th and 11th, from 12-9pm.
The event is free to attend and includes entertainment for the entire family, such as face painting, dancing, and music, henna (a paste created from the henna tree that stains the skin and is used for temporary body art application), Diwali vendors, and more. The event will also include prizes for guests, such as best dressed awards and raffle possibilities.
North York Diwali Fest—Light Festival
North York Diwali Fest is a Moksha Canada Foundation event held in Mel Lastman Square on November 11th from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The festival will include food, music performances, and Diwali shopping fairs, as well as arts and crafts classes that will allow attendees to construct their own decorations. The event, which is free to attend, will also include a rangoli tournament.
Vancouver’s Diwali celebrations
Diwali celebrations abound in and around Vancouver, which has one of Canada’s largest Indian populations. Diwali Fest, on the other hand, is a city-wide Diwali tradition.
Diwali Fest is an annual celebration held by the Diwali Celebration Society that includes a number of events in Vancouver and Surrey. The prices and features of these events vary. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the festival’s inception, and as such, Diwali celebrations will have a “wedding-theme” throughout.
Montreal’s Diwali celebrations
Despite having a lesser Indian population than Vancouver and Toronto, Montreal hosts Diwali celebrations for individuals who observe the event.
The Candle Making Workshop, offered by the Pierrefonds Public Library, is an intriguing event. The program provides an opportunity to gain a better understanding of diya making and placement, as well as their religious and cultural significance during Diwali. The event is free to attend and will take place on Friday, November 10th from 4:30-6pm.
