BY HETI KAUSHAL

DIWALI, the festival of lights, is more than just fireworks and sweets; it’s a celebration of light triumphing over darkness, of beginnings and endings, of dawns and dusks. And this year, that spirit is coming alive at Vivek Canada’s 2nd annual Diwali Celebration on Sunday, October 5 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bonsor Recreation Complex in Burnaby.

Hosted by Vivek Canada’s Dawn to Dusk program participants, this community celebration is not just centered around music, dance, or food, it’s a rare and beautiful collaboration between generations. Seniors and youth will share the stage, weaving stories through dance to depict the message and core of the Dawn to Dusk program.

Here, you can also expect to be mesmerized by a trio of Carnatic artists – Prakriti Hemmige Raghavan (vocal), Shriram Rajagopalan (violin), and Keerthy Raghavan (Mridangam, percussion) – whose fusion of Carnatic roots and contemporary flair will transport you through time. Add to the mix the smooth saxophone of Onkar Chadha, a regular at Dawn to Dusk events, and we have a sonic experience that spans across cultures and ages.

Dance lovers will be treated to a Bharata Natyam performance by Nidhi Barghi, an interactive Bollywood medley by the Singdeo sisters, and a group recital performed by both youth and senior participants of this program. The merging of horizons is the very essence of Dawn to Dusk, and this intergenerational celebration of culture and connection is something that the members of this tight knit community can’t wait to share with all the guests.

And yes, your taste buds will not be left forgotten; festival participants will get to indulge in appetizers and dinner specials served by Delta Indian Cuisine.

Attending this event is an opportunity to contribute towards the preservation and celebration of cultural heritage across generations. By attending, you’re not just celebrating Diwali — you’re helping Vivek Canada raise vital funds for its global charitable programs. Every ticket supports initiatives that create real, lasting impact. This event isn’t just a show, it’s a community coming together to celebrate Diwali in a way that honors every chapter of life, from dawn to dusk.

To purchase tickets, visit www.vivekcanada.org/diwali. Tickets will not be available at the door.

Heti Kaushal is a 16-year-old first year UBC Engineering student and a youth participant in Vivek Canada’s Dawn to Dusk program in Metro Vancouver.