Diwali, the annual week-long festival of lights is back in full force around the Lower Mainland this weekend.
Known for its Hindu origins Diwali is celebrated in many South Asian communities around the world with various religious events throughout the week.
According to the Hindu Calendar, Diwali falls on the fifteenth day of the month of Kartik which is known as the darkest night of the year. This year that day coincidentally lands on Thursday, Oct. 31 — Halloween.
You can find Diwali events in:
- Vancouver
- Surrey
- Burnaby
- Port Coquitlam
City of Vancouver
Vancouver is hosting multiple Diwali events on various days. Some of them include the following:
Event: Diwali Celebration at Marine Gateway 2024 by Diwali Fest
Where: 450 SW Marine Gateway
When: Saturday, Oct. 26 from 1 to 4 p.m.
What to expect: According to Diwali Fest’s website this event will include complimentary henna, diya painting and rangoli art for kids.
Event: Diwali in Downtown Vancouver 2024 by Diwali Fest
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre
When: Sunday, Oct. 27 from 2 to 5 p.m.
What to expect: According to Diwali Fest’s website this event aims to “Celebrate the Festival of Lights in Vancouver with South Asian Music and Dance performances, Diwali Arts and Crafts and Henna!”
City of Surrey
Event: Diwali Mela
Where: Mirage Banquet Hall – 17767 64 Ave
When: Sunday, Oct. 27, no time specified by organizers yet
What to expect: According to the organizers, this event will have vendors that will create an “unforgettable experience filled with music, dance, food, and festivities.”
City of Burnaby
Event: Diwali at the Met
Where: Ground Level near Fossil at Metropolis in Metrotown
When: Saturday, Oct. 25 to Sunday, Oct. 26, various activities available between 12 to 4 p.m.
What to expect: Metropolis’ website states that people can enjoy discounted chai from 12 to 4 p.m., free henna designs for shoppers from 12 to 4 p.m., Indian sweets available for purchase, and Bollywood dance performances on Oct. 26 between 12 to 2 p.m. on the ground level near Yogen Fruz.
City of Port Coquitlam
Event: Diwali: Festival of Lights in Port Coquitlam hosted by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
Where: Port Coquitlam Community Centre
When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, various activities are offered starting between 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
What to expect: According to the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce events page, the celebration will showcase the “diversity of South Asian arts and culture.” There will be free drop-in workshops at the basketball court that include, PT Dance Bollyjam from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., a Kathak dance workshop from 10:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. and free art workshops and a Diwali market starting at noon, and free cultural performances beginning at 2:30 p.m.
While there are many variations of the events during the week-long celebration in different communities and individual families, the major events celebrated by a majority of Hindus at home, globally, include the following:
Day 1: Dhanteras: Marks the beginning of the festivities where families gather to worship Lord Kuber and Goddess Lakshmi
Day 2: Choti Diwali or Naraka Chaturdashi: translates to ‘small Diwali’ and aimed at honouring Lord Krishna’s triumph against a demon called Narakaasura
Day 3: Diwali (a.k.a. Deepawali or Tihar in other communities): This day marks a very important day in Hindu mythology, where Lord Ram, Mata Sita, and Lord Ram’s brother Lakshman return to their kingdom after 14 years of exile. People decorate their homes with diyas (earthen lamps), rangoli (decorative art), and other lights.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja: People get together and worship the Govardhan Mountain because it is said that Lord Krishna rescued the people of Mathura in a former event by lifting the mountain
Day 5: Bhai Dooj (a.k.a. Bhai Tika, Bhau Beej, or Bhaiya Dooj in other communities): The last day of Diwali where brothers and sisters celebrate their relationship while conducting puja (worship), making promises to protect each other and exchange gifts.