MURIEL Arnason Library and the Township of Langley celebrated their 11th annual Diwali last Saturday. Around 500 people participated in this colorful event and enjoyed Henna, crafts, face-painting, sari-wrapping demonstrations, learning a few steps of Punjabi folk dance Bhangra and how to say ‘hello’ in several different languages, entering the draw, and eating food in a festive atmosphere.
Township of Langley Mayor Jack Froese, Councillor Bob Long, Councillor Charlie Fox, Councillor Grant Ward, Councillor Kim Richter, Councillor Steve Ferguson, TOL Cultural Services Manager Peter M. Tulumello, Township of Langley Libraries Manager David Thiessen, Judi The Manners Lady, and Muriel Arnason’s daughter Petrina Arnason were among those who enjoyed the celebrations. Froese and Ward conveyed their best wishes to the community for a happy Diwali.
Muriel Arnason Library was filled with people of all ages during the afternoon’s festivities. The participants danced to the Punjabi beats following the easy steps by a professional dancer and Bhangra instructor Roman Bhangoo. All ages could choose to have their hands decorated with Mehndi (Henna). Children enjoyed face-painting, painted diyas, or clay lamps, created lanterns, and did a variety of crafts. Henna artist Dimple Rayat did a fabulous job for applying Henna, and Janet Megahi ‘Madam Butterfly’ was amazing in face-painting. People really appreciated the sari-wrapping demonstrations by Harpreet and Manju on two young models Sonam and Ciara. Judi The Manners Lady entertained people by teaching them how to say ‘hello’ in different languages in a very interesting way. Everyone enjoyed
multicultural food including Samosas, Pakoras, different types of cookies, juices, and coffee. Performers and sponsors were honoured during the festival, and the draw winners were very happy to get beautiful decorated Diyas.
Participants and guests alike were pleased to take part in such a lively and entertaining local event. At the end of the program, Community Librarian Dr. Sarwan Singh Randhawa thanked the audience, performers, volunteers, and the media.