PREMIER John Horgan, Ravi Kahlon, Parliamentary Secretary for Sport and Multiculturalism, and representatives from the community will be participating in a celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, at the Parliament Buildings in Victoria on Wednesday (November 7).
This is the first time Diwali will be hosted at the Parliament Buildings.
Horgan in a statement said: “We join Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains all over the province to celebrate Diwali, Deepavali and Bandi Chhor Divas.
“As friends, families and communities come together to celebrate the festival by lighting diyas, we also celebrate the victory of light over darkness, of hope over despair and of good over evil.
“Diwali represents a time of year to reflect on the good in our lives and to think about helping people in our community.
“It is a time to come together and celebrate our diverse backgrounds and beliefs, and rejoice in our shared values of respect, inclusion and equality.
“On behalf of all British Columbians, I wish everyone a happy Diwali, Deepavali and Bandi Chhor Divas!”
ANDREW Weaver, Leader of the B.C. Greens, said in a statement: “I offer my best wishes to the millions of people around the world celebrating Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas this week. During this time of celebration Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities come together to celebrate the triumph of light over dark and good over evil.
“This five-day festival of light is marked with colourful decorations, lighted diyas, and traditional sweets. Here in B.C. friends and families are coming together to celebrate in an exchange of love and happiness. Although this holiday is celebrated by many different people in many different ways, the universal theme always prevails: that light will triumph over darkness.
“It is this message that we reflect upon today as my colleagues and I send our warmest regards to those celebrating across British Columbia and the world. From our hearts to yours, happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas!”
ANDREW Wilkinson, Leader of the Official Opposition, said in a statement: “Today, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and others across our province will celebrate the start of the festival of lights in British Columbia.
“Both Diwali and Bandi Chhor Diwas signify the triumph of light over darkness, hope over despair, and celebrate the victory of good in the world.
“These festivals of lights symbolize renewal, and all that a new year brings, serving as an opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate. As British Columbians of many different backgrounds gather to light diyas, share meals, exchange gifts, and watch spectacular fireworks, it is important to remember all that brings us closer to one another.
“On behalf of the entire BC Liberal Caucus, I want to extend our warmest wishes to all those celebrating Diwali and Bandi Chhor Diwas.”
PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement: “Today, we join Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities in Canada and around the world to celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.
“This holiday – known as the Festival of Lights – symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
“Families and friends will gather to pray, exchange gifts, share meals, and light diyas in a spirit of hope. Diwali is also a chance to honour the many communities that celebrate this occasion.
“Canadians of Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist faiths, as well as the larger South Asian diaspora, shape our country for the better every day.
“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish everyone celebrating a happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.”
