- विज्ञापन -
Despite ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, the Indian diaspora, primarily from Punjab, celebrated Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas throughout Canada in traditional fashion.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau led the celebrations by extending Diwali wishes via a post on X, stating, “Today, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain families will celebrate the triumph of light over darkness with festivities, candles, diyas, and fireworks. Wishing you all joy and prosperity during this special time.”
Indo-Canadian MP Maninder Sidhu, addressing Parliament on Thursday (Canadian time), expressed his greetings to those celebrating in Brampton and across Canada, saying, “I’d like to wish everyone a very happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas!”
Bandi Chhor Divas commemorates the release of 52 Hindu princes from Gwalior Fort, aided by the sixth Guru, Hargobind Sahib, on Diwali, which is observed as a sacred occasion.
Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland also sent her greetings, stating: “Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating in #UniRose and across Canada! May this festival of lights bring you and your family joy, love, and prosperity.” She shared a video on X featuring celebrations with the Indian community.
In a turn of events, Canadian opposition leaders abruptly canceled a Diwali event planned for October 30 without providing any reason. Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre shared a Diwali message noting, “Today, as Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Canadians celebrate the Festival of Lights, we are reminded of our shared values of faith, family, and freedom, and the enduring promise that light will always triumph over darkness. Happy Diwali!”
Another Indo-Canadian MP, Chandra Arya, who has been vocal against pro-Khalistan extremism in Parliament and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi in August, wished happiness and health on Diwali, saying, “From my family to yours: We wish you all a very happy, healthy, and prosperous Diwali!”
Following his meeting with PM Modi, Arya emphasized on X that “India is a significant and growing market for Canada’s exports and investments, and it fulfills our critical talent needs.”
Anita Anand, MP for Oakville and Minister of Transport, reminisced about her childhood when her family often celebrated Diwali in solitude in Canada. She remarked, “Today, large festivities unite the community across Canada, including here in Oakville!”
Satbir Singh Cheema, President and CEO of Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society, shared that they celebrated the Festival of Lights with seniors in an Assisted Living facility in Surrey, British Columbia, enjoying laughter, dancing, singing, and the spirit of the festival.
Meanwhile, in Munich, Germany, the Bharat Diwali Mela gathered the Indian community like never before, organized by the ‘Delhi in Munich Group’ and attended by India’s Consul General in Munich, Shatru Sinha, along with Anshika Singh from the Munich Migration Council.
Sanjeev Sharma, a prominent member of the organizing committee, noted that this year marked the first time various Indian communities came together in Germany to celebrate Diwali, showcasing their rich culture through food, music, and traditional performances.
