PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday said in a statement on Diwali: “Today, we join millions of people in Canada and around the world to celebrate Diwali.

“Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil, of knowledge over ignorance. On this day, families will gather to pray at mandirs, exchange gifts, and take part in festivities across the country. Homes will be lit with candles and diyas. Fireworks will embrace the sky. This is a holiday of hope, and the bright lights of Diwali encourage us all to defeat darkness and find purpose.

“Diwali in Canada would not be possible without our incredible Indo-Canadian community. Indo-Canadians represent the best of Canada – as artists and entrepreneurs, as doctors and teachers, as leaders in business, community, and culture. On Diwali, we celebrate them and the light they carry across Canada’s communities.

“Diwali is especially important to Hindu Canadians – one of Canada’s largest and most diverse diasporas. In November, as we mark Hindu Heritage Month in Canada, let us join the community and celebrate. We will always stand with Hindu Canadians to ensure their safety and security so they can freely and proudly practise their religion.

“On behalf of all Canadians, I wish everyone celebrating a very happy Diwali. May the Festival of Lights bring us joy, happiness, and prosperity.”

PREMIER David Eby said: “Here in B.C. and around the world, Hindus, Sikhs and Jains are celebrating the sacred festival of Diwali.

“Diwali is observed over five days every autumn, and represents the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

“Billions of people will be observing this ancient festival around the globe – gathering to pray, feast and celebrate with gifts and fellowship. Many will light diya lanterns and decorate their homes with rangolis.

“In communities throughout British Columbia, people will be gathering to enjoy art, music and dance at festivals and celebrations.

“Diwali reminds us to appreciate the incredible cultural diversity that strengthens our province, and the many contributions that South Asian communities make to B.C.

“I wish all who celebrate it, a happy and prosperous Diwali.”

CONSERVATIVE Party Leader Pierre Poilievre said: “Today, more than one billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists around the world come together to celebrate Diwali—the Festival of Lights!

“As one of the world’s oldest festivals, the spirit of Diwali transcends borders and cultures. Its colourful Rangoli are put on display in homes across the world, including here in Canada, where our thriving South Asian community continues to pass down the time-honoured traditions carefully preserved for millennia.

“As Canadians from all walks of life join in on these celebrations, Diwali reminds us of our shared values of faith, family and freedom. Together, we celebrate its enduring promise that, even in hard times, light will always triumph over darkness, knowledge will always trump ignorance, and good will always overcome evil.

“To everyone celebrating, may your Diwali celebrations be filled with prayers, dances, fireworks and sweets, and may the light of the Diya encourage you for the days ahead.

“On behalf of Canada’s Common Sense Conservatives, Happy Diwali!”