Diwali festivities light up Vancouver

The city is ready to be lit up with colour, vibrancy and tradition for Diwali season. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on October 24. Although it is religion-based, it’s also become a cultural event in North America that’s celebrated with sweets, special foods and tradition. Diwali is a “festival of lights” that celebrates the triumph of light over dark and good over evil, and the blessings of victory, freedom, and enlightenment. The name comes from the Sanksrit word dipavali, meaning “row of lights.” On the night of Diwali people light candles and clay lamps (called diyas), and place them throughout their homes and in the streets to light up the dark night.

In most of India, Diwali consists of a five-day celebration that peaks on the third day with the main celebration of Diwali. In other places where Diwali occurs, usually only the main dayis celebrated. Vancouver has officially celebrated 18 years of Diwali festivities here in Vancouver.

The festivities kick off in Yaletown at the Roundhouse Community Centre today. There will be live music, incredible food and traditional dance performances featuring Canadian South Asian artists. Tomorrow at the Vancouver Canucks game against the Carolina Hurricanes the warm-up jerseys will feature the Canucks’ classic orca redesigned with the vibrant colours of Diwali, plus stick-in-rink and a peacock as shoulder patches. This will be the Canucks’ sixth annual game night celebrating the diverse and vibrant culture of BC’s South Asian community.

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