Vancouver Set to Celebrate Diwali this Weekend

November 8, 2007

Author: Ian Austin

Source: The Province

http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=a684dcd6-19c1-446c-a84e-b051946df4b1&k=78380

Preparations are underway for the celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the globe.

Observed across South Asia, the festival of Diwali is a unifying event with different significance but equal importance in many communities.

In the Hindu tradition, the celebration commemorates the return of Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, from his 14-year exile.

From the Sikh perspective, Diwali is celebrated as the return of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, from the captivity of Gwalior City.

The Jains celebrate the Nirvana of Lord Mahavira, who established the dharma as they follow it. For all, it is a time of hopeful and renewing spirit, celebrated with music, dance and sweets.

In Vancouver, Mayor Sam Sullivan will open a Diwali celebration at the Roundhouse Community Centre this Saturday, celebrating the classical and folk arts of India with performing artists, handicraft and food vendors, and dance workshops.