Happy Diwali and Happy Bandi Chhor Divas!
Dear colleagues and friends,
Canada’s population comes from all regions of the world. To encourage you to explore our country’s rich diversity, each month, we highlight one important date, event, festival or celebration from the calendar. This month, we are pleased to highlight Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, which fall on the same dates, October 31 - November 4, 2024.
Diwali or Deepavali is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated every year in autumn in the northern hemisphere, coinciding with spring in the southern hemisphere. One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, it spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. Its celebration includes millions of lights shining on housetops, outside doors and windows, around temples and other buildings in the communities and countries where it is observed.
On Diwali night, people dress up in new clothes or their best outfit, light up lamps and candles (diyas) inside and outside their home, participate in family prayers (puja) typically to Lakshmi—the goddess of fertility and prosperity. After prayers, fireworks follow, then a family feast including sweets (mithai), and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Children receive gifts or money from their elders. The period leading up to Diwali also marks a major shopping period in countries where it is celebrated by large number of people.
On the same day, in a similar manner, the followers of Sikh faith also celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, to commemorate the return of their spiritual leader, the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind to Amritsar on the day of Diwali in 1619. According to tradition, the Guru agreed to leave the Gwalior prison after the Emperor of India, Nur-ud-din Muhammad Salim Jahangir accepted his demand to free 52 Hindu princes from the prison. Guru is an honorific term, used for a spiritual teacher or guide.
You may wish your Hindu and Sikh colleagues and friends Happy Diwali and Happy Bandi Chhor Divas, respectively.
It is important to note that on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, Parliament adopted a motion introduced by Member of Parliament Chandra Arya to declare November as Hindu Heritage Month, to recognize the contributions that Hindu Canadians have made to the socio-economic development of Canada. Hindu Heritage Month provides us an opportunity to learn about and recognize the services of Hindu Canadians to our society, the richness of Hindu Heritage and their valuable contributions in the fields of arts, sciences, information technology and healthcare.
If you would like that we highlight a cultural event to create awareness about the rich cultural diversity of Canada, please do not hesitate to write to me. That way, we all learn about each other, to promote mutual understanding, respect and collaboration.
Stay safe, stay well!
Respectfully,
Waheed Khan
President, National Consultation Team