Diwali is a major religious celebration in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism that reflects light conquering darkness and evil. People also celebrate Diwali to remember the good moments in life.
The auspicious day has many customs and traditions that you can do either alone, with friends and family or at events.
Some of these traditions include putting up small oil lamps around your home, known as diyas, as well as decorating with rangolis — an art form in which patterns of colourful sand or other small materials are created on the floor or a tabletop. Doing prayers with loved ones is also a meaningful and significant ritual of Diwali.
However, there is no right way to celebrate Diwali. It’s crucial to note the importance of gratitude in this holiday, so as long as you recognize the things you have gained this past year, you’ll be in the right spirit.
Kruti Patel, a second-year Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) law and business student, shared her sentiments regarding Diwali to Her Campus in an Instagram message.
“This time of the year reminds me that the struggles will pass and that there are many more happy moments to come,” Patel said. “In other words, I get reminded that light will always take over the darkness, even if it may not seem like it in the moment.”
Living in Brampton, or as Patel calls it, “mini-India,” she loves the festivities around her.
However, she is aware of the impact the tensions between India and Canada might have on the rest of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). She finds it great how society can move past these political tensions and unite as one community to celebrate different cultures.
For those who might not have family close to celebrate Diwali with, two events set out to create spaces for them.
- Diwali Dhamaka 2023
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The TMU Indian Students Association’s first event of the semester celebrated Diwali on Nov. 13, 2023, at 6 p.m. The admission ticket cost $6.62 CAD and included festive Bollywood music, food, a DJ and a dance party at the Tecumseh Auditorium on campus.
- Diwali Diya Paint Night
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On Nov. 17, 2023, a Diwali Diya Paint Night is being hosted by Studio.89 in Mississauga in the evening. Sign up on Eventbrite to paint unique clay lamps to celebrate Diwali.
In these activities, South Asians gather as a community to celebrate Diwali and feel comfortable in their own skin.
Aru Kaul, a TMU alumni who studied journalism, said to Her Campus in an Instagram message that since moving to Canada, she felt like she couldn’t fit in. Kaul avoided bringing South Asian food or wearing cultural clothing to school due to fear of being mocked.
“Diwali was one of the few times a year I felt comfortable in my own skin,” Kaul said.
So, whether you have the opportunity to spend Diwali at home, or if you’re far away but want to experience this holiday, remember Diwali’s morals and feel free to check out these events to enjoy and appreciate Diwali.
South Asians in Toronto also had the opportunity to celebrate Diwali in these festivities that took place last week.
Here’s a recap:
- CF Toronto Eaton Centre
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People who were interested in shopping for some festive decor got to profit from the Eaton Centre’s exclusive $10 CF Shop card when they spent $100 at select jewelry stores between Nov. 10-12. They even got a complimentary candle from Fox Home.
Some of the jewelry stores included Pandora, Swatch, Hudson’s Bay and Swarovski, among others.
There was also a performance at Level 1, Gap Court, on Nov. 10 and 12 to let people be immersed in the cultural dancing experience. Learn more about what went down here!
- Brar’s Diwali Fest
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Many people in the South Asian community attended Brar’s Diwali Fest, where they got to eat delicious Gujarati food, have free drinks, and buy Indian clothing or jewelry from local vendors. This free festival took place from Nov. 10-12 at the Galaxy Grand Convention Centre. Learn more here!
- Light It Up: Diwali market event series comes to Halton Hills
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Commuters were not forgotten in the celebration of Diwali. An event further in the GTA was hosted in Halton Hills as part of the Diwali Market Event Series, sponsored by RBC. From Nov. 10 to 12, people visited Toronto Premium Outlets to engage in this free immersive experience sampling food, fashion, beauty, dance, and other Diwali traditions.