DIWALI-Festival of Lights

City celebrates Diwali

November 2, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Council Chambers, City Hall

Mayor Robertson will issue a proclamation to celebrate Diwali.

Vancouver celebrates Diwali festival

Vancouver Celebrates Diwali is a community-based South Asian performing arts festival that celebrates the universal light that exists in everyone. Learn more

Diwali is one of the most popular festivals of the South Asian community. Known as the festival of lights, it is celebrated with equal enthusiasm by the Hindu and the Sikh community.

candle In the Hindu community, the festival is dedicated to the goddess Kali in Bengal, and to Lakshami, goddess of wealth, in the rest of India. Diwali also celebrates the victory of Lord Rama of good over evil. The Jains celebrate the Nirvana of Lord Mahavira who established the dharma as they follow it. For all, it is a time of hope and renewing spirit celebrated with music, dance and sweets.

In the Sikh community, the day is celebrated as the “Bandi Chor Divas”, which literally translates as the day of the prisoner’s release. This commemorates the return of the sixth Guru, Sri Hargobind ji to the holy city of Amritsar from his detention. Since he was released on the day of Diwali, the Sikh community celebrated the day by illuminating the holy city of Amritsar and have since continued to celebrate Diwali by illuminating their homes.

While Diwali is popularly known as the "festival of lights", the most significant spiritual meaning is "the awareness of the inner light".

Vancouver is home to a large South Asian population. Together, with other diverse communities, they form a part of the colourful mosaic that completes our nation. The City recognizes and values the contributions of the diverse communities that make Vancouver one of the most liveable cities of the world.

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