It is no secret that many Indians dream of settling in Canada since it offers a high quality of life as well as world-class education in a beautiful setting. It’s not just a country with perks, but also one that has a welcoming heart for immigrants. People from all over the world find Canada perfect for long-term settlement because it retains different cultures and their own traditions with a smile, and the Diwali celebration in Canada is one of the best examples. If you are looking to celebrate Diwali in Canada, we have compiled a list of how Canada celebrates the festival of Diwali.
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What is Diwali?
Ramachandra, the seventh manifestation of the god Vishnu, is honoured in Diwali. After spending 14 years in exile, fighting evil spirits and Ravana, Lord Rama is said to have returned on this day. We celebrate the victory of good over evil, darkness, and despair.
Diwali celebration in Canada that is observed by people all across the world, not just in Canada and India. Throughout the year, many community groups and organisations celebrate Diwali. The event can be observed at home, in mandirs or neighbourhood temples, in community centres, or even online, thanks to the COVID pandemic!
What Do Canadians Do on Diwali?
Many Canadians refer to Diwali as the ‘Festival of Lights’ and celebrate it. It is a festival of joy celebrated by both Canadians and Indians in Canada. In Canada, it is a joyful holiday that receives a lot of media coverage and public interest. Each year, a number of associations, businesses, schools, and community organizations celebrate Diwali. Some businesses host Diwali feasts for their employees, while some communities have carnivals or get-togethers with fireworks displays.
Diwali: A 5-Day Festival
Diwali is a five-day festival which is celebrated by Hindu families across the world. Each day of this festival has an auspicious significance. So let’s learn the relevance of these five days, collectively making the perfect time for starting a business.
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Day 1: Dhanteras
Dhanteras is the first of the five days in which people clean their homes, perform pooja, put lights on their balconies or entrances, and go shopping for crockery or kitchen equipment that is supposed to bring luck.
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Day 2: Chhoti Diwali, Kalichaudas
Choti Diwali, or Kalichauds, is the second of the five days in which people usually visit their friends or family and bring treats as gifts. Some people also mail greeting cards to family members who cannot meet in person. Rangolis will also be used to beautify the flooring in people’s homes.
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Day 3: Diwali, Lakshmi Puja
With visits to the elderly, prayers, fireworks, family feasts, and the day dedicated to Lakshmi worship, the third day of the festival is typically the busiest. In her honour, families will dress up and gather for prayer.
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Day 4: Annakut, Padwa, Govardhan Puja
The fourth day is Annakut, which is dedicated to honouring the union of a husband and wife. This day is also linked to the Gujarati new year and Lord Krishna. Food grants will be made for Puja celebrations.
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Day 5: Bhaiya Dooj
The fifth and last day is devoted to respecting the sibling bond. In the past, brothers would visit their sisters and bring presents.
Amazing Diwali Celebration in Canada
Apart from the fact that Canada is a country that accepts all cultures gracefully, it is also a place full of numerous Hindu or Indian families. Therefore, most of the cities in Canada celebrate Diwali in different ways at different places. To celebrate Diwali Eve with your family and friends, plan your trip to the below-given places.
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Diwali, Dinner, and Dance—Calgary
The D3 Fest stands for Diwali, Dinner, and Dance. It is a Canadian Diwali Festival which is hosted by the Punjabi Community Health Services of Calgary. This event is a complete fundraiser as the ticket sales are used to assist the mental and social health services offered by PCHS. As the name says, the fest is wrapped around a live DJ and a dance floor. The D3 is a traditional Hindu festival with a contemporary touch of lights. Instead of quiet candlelit ceremonies, the fest displays radiant laser shows over the dancing flocks. To add to the fun, you can also participate in several fun activities such as silent auctions, raffles, buffets, and so forth.
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Annual Diwali Fair — Edmonton
The Annual Diwali Fest of Edmonton is a family-friendly festivity where people of all ages can connect with their legacy and learn a bit more about Hindu tradition and Indian culture. Kids will definitely relish the delights and fun shows like face painting booths, and teens will surely enjoy the Insta-friendly artistry of henna demonstrations. In addition to this, adults can always enjoy participating in a rangoli class. The fest is full of fun, which also includes food to go around and vendors from throughout Canada with handmade diyas, jewellery, candles, sarees, clothing, and other homemade crafts. A note to add: don’t be upset if you don’t find anything on the very first day because it is a multi-day festival and there is always a new thing on a new day.
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Diwali Downtown Surrey — Surrey, British Columbia
Free. Did I hear this right? Yes, everyone is welcome to attend Diwali Downtown Surrey, and the only expenses will be the price of the kaju katli you consume and the souvenirs you buy. You can also enjoy live music everywhere you go, and there will always be something artistic, creative, performing, or cultural that catches your eye. The “Rangoli Zone” and the family-friendly “Family Art Zone” bulge out in particular. Visit Surrey and have some family-friendly fun if you’re looking for a way to celebrate Diwali with your loved ones!
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Diwali Festival — Moncton, New Brunswick
The Moncton Diwali Festival is sponsored by the Indo-Canada Association and the fest welcomes everyone celebrating Diwali in the wider Moncton area. Food, drink, cultural festivities, and performances are there to immerse you in the never-ending fun. The festival is worth attending for both children and adults. If you belong to South Asian ancestry, this may be your chance to reawaken your roots; if you’re just seeking to have fun, then this fest is the ideal occasion to eat delicious food, meet new friends, and discover more about one of the oldest celebrations in human history!
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Diwali Show—Brampton, Ontario
The Diwali Festival in Canada brings a range of joy throughout the country at different places. The Diwali Show, billed as the biggest Diwali event in the greater Toronto area, is a joyous festival that honours Hindu, Jain, and Sikh cultures from around the globe. Here, you can explore Pakistani clothes at one vendor and Indian puja at another! Moreover, you can select from a variety of occasions, games, and pursuits, such as dance performances and door prize drawings. You can munch on your favourite holiday delicacies whenever you feel hungry. Simply range the kilometres of vendors’ colourful booths when you wish to burn down some energy. Since the Diwali Show is free to attend, you can use your money to reserve reasonable flights in October to enjoy your holiday or buy mementos to take home.
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Diwali Carnival – Festival of Lights — Halifax
The Halifax Diwali Carnival is a popular and vibrant event that simply can’t be covered in a day! It lasts for three days and is jam-packed with fun events, including Bollywood dance parties and cultural exhibitions. With a view to recalling the actual meaning of Diwali, there are merchants selling all types of handmade crafts, along with food trucks serving the best Indian cuisine. These crafts include lamps, diyas, candles, and beautiful lanterns. Apart from this, the fireworks are launched into the night sky for the colourful presentation to cap it all off. What else is necessary before you can start to explore affordable vacation packages in Nova Scotia?
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Diwali Razzmatazz in Mississauga
The Diwali Razzmatazz is put on by the Indo-Canada Arts Council in Mississauga, Canada. The Diwali Razzmatazz is a joyous occasion for the entire family. The stage programming for the fest includes Bollywood stars; dancing demonstrations; musical performances; a Diwali bazaar; kiddie rides; Diwali lucky draws; and multiple other sponsored prizes. In addition to this, the food vendors also bring the true flavours of the Diwali celebrations through different delicacies.
In a Nutshell
Diwali celebration in Canada are one of the most awaited times of the year, especially for immigrant Hindu families in Canada. Reconnecting with your roots away from your country is the most special emotion that Canada could offer you in the form of an open-hearted Diwali celebration. Although it is not a public holiday in the country, you can still enjoy the festival to the fullest amidst the bright lights and fairs at the different venues detailed above.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
On a cold night in Canada, people celebrate Diwali by wishing their neighbours a warm welcome along with their families and a pack of sweets.
Diwali is a time when millions of Hindus across the world celebrate Diwali, which includes over 50,000 people in Canada.
Diwali is a Hindu religious festival which is celebrated by people in Canada also, but it is not an official public holiday in the country.
Yes, residents are allowed to burst short-range fireworks on private properties with a condition of four days a year, which includes Diwali as well. The Canadian government legally allows fireworks that only travel three metres (10 feet) or less. How is Diwali celebrated in Canada?
How many Canadians celebrate Diwali?
Is Diwali a working day in Canada?
Are crackers bursting on Diwali in Canada allowed?
