Happy Diwali! Festival of Lights kicks off in Vancouver
Posted October 29, 2016 8:15 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Happy Diwali! The Festival of Lights is the biggest event in the Indian calendar and festivities in the Lower Mainland kick off this weekend.
Diwali Downtown is happening at the Roundhouse Community Centre this afternoon.
Organizer Rohit Chokhani says the best way to describe Diwali is as their Christmas, New Years and Thanksgiving all rolled into one. He explains the Hindu holy time is all about light.
“[It’s about] sharing the light, spreading the light, and celebrating on a massive scale during that time. In terms of the Western culture, I always say it’s like our Christmas, Thanksgiving all wrapped into one two-week long festival.”
He adds the day will be full of music and dance performances that everyone can enjoy.
“We’ve been celebrating the theme of unity and diversity for the fourth year in a row now, in terms of artistic planning of the festival. And it’s specifically been planned in a way so that it’s welcoming to everyone. You don’t have to be South Asian to celebrate and you’re welcome [to join].”
The celebrations last all week, with next Saturday’s party moving to downtown Surrey.
