Diwali is right around the corner, this year it lands on Thursday, November 4th, 2021. Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. The festival usually lasts five days and is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika.
Image Credit: Diwali Fest
Celebrated all over the world, Diwali is the biggest and brightest event in the Indian calendar. The word Diwali means “row of lighted lamps”, with light symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, prosperity over poverty and knowledge over ignorance. This is a time for lighting diyas, laying out colourful rangolis, setting off fireworks, exchanging gifts of sweets and celebrating with dance, music, and storytelling.
This year there are a couple of big events being held in Vancouver, British Columbia by Diwali Fest. Diwali Fest originated in 2004 as the Vancouver Celebrates Diwali Festival and has since grown to be one of the largest Diwali- themed events in the Lower Mainland. What started as a one-day, volunteer-driven event has evolved to the point where it is a professionally staffed festival that has become a destination event on the City’s cultural calendar. Throughout the history of the festival, they have tried to balance several core competencies: showcasing the best and brightest South Asian talent, exhibiting artistic innovation through a myriad of forms, and engaging the wide community in as active and inclusive a role as possible.
An event in downtown Vancouver called the Diwali Downtown Vancouver: Digital Showcase and a celebration at the Trout Lake Community Centre.
Diwali Downtown Vancouver: Digital Showcase
Diwali Fest is returning to Vancouver for its 18th Annual Celebration of the Festival of Lights. Diwali Downtown Vancouver is a multicultural event featuring South Asian music and dance performances by many talented artists. This event will be virtual this year and you are invited to join the festivities safely from home.
Date: November 2nd, 2021
Time: 2:00 PM-3:00 PM PST
Cost: Free
Venue: YouTube
Trout Lake Community Centre
Trout Lake Community Centre will be the location for a Diwali celebration. Celebrate the festival of lights and listen to the story of Diwali, decorate diya clay lamps, listen and dance to traditional Indian music. Enjoy a delicious taste of India with veggie samosas, pakoras, chai tea, and assorted sweets.
Date: November 7th, 2021
Time: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM PST
Unfortunately, the event at Trout Lake Community Centre is completely sold out, but make sure to check out the digital showcase!
Published by HOLR Magazine.