The South Asian community in British Columbia is celebrating Diwali in person and unrestricted by COVID-19 for the first time in three years.
On Monday, there was a lot of activity in Gurdwaras and Mandirs throughout the province as people brought gifts and treats and lighted Diyas, small lamps that symbolise the victory of light over darkness.
“We are so happy because after two years, we are celebrating the Diwali festival in our temple,” said Rakesh Sharma, a priest at the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey.
Many individuals come to pray.
Diwali, a five-day festival of lights honouring the triumph of good over evil, began on Monday.
The major South Asian holiday is observed by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains.
Along with the exchanging of presents and sweets, the event’s main themes include regeneration and prosperity.
“It’s like a family festival around Christmas. So whole families will come, with new clothes, new ornaments,” explained Dharam S.
The head of the Canadian Ramgarhia Society is Panesar.
You could say it’s a festival of happiness.
In order to commemorate the event, Vancouver’s city hall was lit in the colour yellow.
On Monday night, the Vancouver Canucks held their annual Diwali night, including the unveiling of a new special warm-up jersey designed by artist Sandeep Johal and performances by Bhangra superstar Jazzy B.
At the 19th Annual Diwali Fest, held on Sunday at the Vancouver roundhouse community centre, large crowds gathered to celebrate the holiday’s beginning.
The festival included a wide range of South Asian sights, sounds, and performances, including bhangra dancing, sitar playing, and Bollywood.
Additionally, there were many of arts and crafts, such as henna and a neighbourhood rangoli painting.
Diwali celebrations in person resume in British Columbia after a brief hiatus.
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