In Canada, Diwali starts on October 28, 2024. The Festival of Lights is a five-day celebration known as the most popular and elaborate event of the Hindu religion. Variations of Diwali are celebrated by Sikhs, Jainists and Buddhists, the other principal Indian religions. Diwali is said to be the biggest festival in the world.
The Meaning of Diwali
Diwali or Deepavali is a portmanteau of “deep,” which means lamp or “diyas,” and “avali,” which means a row of lamps. It symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.” It is celebrated on the 15th day of the dark fortnight, called Amavasya, in the Hindu month of Kartik. This usually falls in October or November (description from Hind Utsav).
Diwali celebrates Bhagwan Rama’s return to his kingdom, Ayodhya, after 14 years in exile. The goddess Lakshmi symbolizes wealth and prosperity and is also worshiped on Diwali.
During his exile, Lord Rama defeated the demon Ravana, the king of Lanka. It is said that people lit lamps all along the way to light their path in the darkness.
While Diwali is primarily a Hindu festival, variations are also celebrated by adherents of other faiths. The Jains observe their own Diwali, which marks the final liberation of Mahavira. The Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas to mark the release of Guru Hargobind from a Mughal prison. Unlike other Buddhists, Newar Buddhists celebrate Diwali by worshipping Lakshmi, while the Hindus of Eastern India and Bangladesh generally celebrate Diwali by worshipping the goddess Kali.
How to Celebrate Diwali
There are many lovely customs during Diwali. South Asian homes are decorated, rows of oil lamps and candles are lit, and firecrackers or fireworks celebrate the colours and light the skies. A statutory holiday in India, Canadians celebrate with their families and friends and in their temples.
Even if you aren’t a follower, you may wish to brighten your workplace for visitors or light up your home.
- Decorate your home and workplace with lamps and small lights
- Display bowls of water with floating candles and flowers
- Wear new clothes and hand out sweets to people
- Attend a local fireworks display – or go outside and light sparklers
- Learn more about the five days of Diwali and what each day means
Celebrating Diwali with the APNI CRN
The APNI CRN is located in Surrey, BC, home to the country’s second-largest percentage of South Asian Canadians. Newly established in July 2021 in partnership with the Vedic Hindu Cultural Society of BC and the City of Surrey, the CRN was doing the work of a CRN long before officially becoming one. APNI is Punjabi and Hindi for “one of our own.”
Thanks to Mr. Surendra Handa’s single-handed efforts, seniors across the city have formed valuable friendships and connections and become more versed in topics such as personal safety, nutrition, senior health and wellness, finances and financial literacy, insurance, scams and adult abuse.
At Diwali, the APNI CRN celebrates with the local seniors’ community with food and festivities. Our collage of photos shows the joy and companionship.
Happy Diwali!
Explore our website to learn more about BC CRN, or connect with your local CRN for more information or resources.
