Maple News reports that Diwali, the vibrant Festival of Lights celebrated by over a billion people worldwide, continues to shine brightly across Canadian cities—both as a spiritual observance and a cultural showcase. This year, the five-day festival begins on November 12, bringing together communities of Indian origin and beyond in honouring light over darkness, good over evil, and new beginnings.
Rooted in Hindu tradition and also celebrated by some Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities, Diwali is closely tied to themes of prosperity, familial bonds, and spiritual triumph. For many, it also marks the start of the new year in the Hindu lunar calendar.
In Canada, Diwali has evolved beyond personal and family rituals to become a multicultural affair recognized across major cities, from Toronto to Vancouver. With Canada home to over 1.3 million South Asians—many of whom trace their roots to India—Diwali has become a signature event on the country’s cultural calendar.
Cities like Mississauga, Brampton, Surrey, and Calgary host large-scale Diwali events that include music performances, Bollywood-style dancing, food fairs featuring regional Indian cuisines, and traditional arts and crafts. Municipal governments often support these festivities, providing public spaces like Celebration Square in Mississauga for events that draw thousands of attendees.
Community organizations, student associations, and faith-based groups such as temples and gurdwaras also play a major role. They organize festivities that are both religiously meaningful and socially vibrant, often involving the lighting of diyas (oil lamps), rangoli floor art displays, and the recitation of stories from ancient scriptures.
At the university level, Diwali celebrations have become annual highlights on campuses with substantial international student populations. These student-led events blend tradition with modern flair, offering cultural performances, Indian snacks, and vibrant décor that helps students feel at home while far away from family.
Fireworks, traditional attire like sarees and kurta-pajamas, and the exchange of sweets such as laddoos and barfi are common Diwali features embraced by both young and old in Canada.
The celebration also reflects Canada’s commitment to multiculturalism, symbolic of how deeply immigrant communities have shaped—and continue to shape—the country’s identity.
According to Maple News, Diwali in Canada is more than just a festival—it’s a reflection of Canada’s inclusive society where cultural traditions are celebrated, shared, and cherished by many.