Diwali, commencing on November 12th this year, is a significant festival celebrated by Millions and Billions of people across the world. 

Diwali is primarily observed by Hindus sharing a universal message of hope, happiness, and unity, surpassing cultural, religious, and geographical boundaries. 

The festival is often called the ‘Festival of Lights’ as it involves the lighting of diyas, lamps, and lanterns to symbolize the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Among its multifacet meanings are the devotion to ancestors and a fresh beginning of life. Diwali, for many people, also signifies the beginning of a new year according to the Hindu Lunar calendar. 

Diwali in Canada and almost all over the world lasts five days, each associated with various significant events in Hinduism. Moreover, it holds a special place in the hearts of certain Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh sects, with unique variations in rituals and interpretations. 

Considering its across-the-border significance, in Canada, Diwali is observed with public festivities, special events, acknowledgment, and other activities. Here’s how Canadians celebrate Diwali in Canada and the events where you can enjoy with your loved ones. 

How do Canadians observe Diwali in Canada? 

Canada is home to all traditional Diwali celebrations, from the lightening of lamps and lanterns to the creation of vibrant, colorful patterns on floors called rangolis. It also includes sharing delicious traditional foods, getting together with loved ones, including families and friends, and creating lasting memories. 

Apart from individual festivities, Diwali celebrations in Canada are arranged by community organizations such as cultural groups and student or temple organizations. 

In addition, bigger community events are also observed in Canada by the municipal governments, which are often organized in town centers. These events include markets, traditional Indian food fairs, music, dancing, and often fireworks. 

The following are some of the largest celebrations of the Festival of Lights in Canada, which you can enjoy to the fullest. 

Celebrations of Diwali in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. 

The Festival of Lights, Diwali Dhamaka, are North York Diwali Fest are the festivities organized in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area during the Diwali. 

Festival of Lights 

The “Festival of Lights” in Canada is considered the largest Diwali celebration conducted by the Global Arts, Culture and Heritage Foundation. This year, it will be held on the 4th and 5th of November in Toronto at Nathan Phillips Square from 12 to 9 p.m. 

You can attend this Diwali event free of charge, which will occur within the same hours on both days. The celebrations will include several Diwali features, such as music, dance performances, and fireworks. In addition, an extensive market with over 100 regional sellers will pique the attention of Canadian people. 

Diwali Dhamaka 2023 

On 5th and 11th November 2023, Dream Media Agency and Cocktail International Group Inc. will host a significant event called Diwali Dhamaka 2023 at the Capitol Banquet Centre in Mississauga from 12 to 9 p.m. 

This event entry is also free of charge, and anyone can attend it to experience the Diwali delight. 

Visiting it with friends and family allows you to spend quality time together and enjoy a variety of activities such as dancing, music, face painting, henna, or mehndi designing, which stains the skin with its characteristic beautiful color, and more. Also, a large Diwali market will allow you to shop for various things. 

The participants will be awarded prizes in the special event of Diwali Dhamaka, including the best-dressed awards and valuable lottery possibilities. 

North York Diwali Fest 

During Diwali, the Moksha Canada Foundation held an event called North York Diwali Fest at Mel Lastman Square from 11 to 9 p.m. on November 11th. 

This Diwali event will include music performances, food, and Diwali shopping fairs where you can experience the Diwali vibes. There will also be arts and crafts workshops, which will enable participants to create their own decoration pieces. Moreover, if you are fond of creating rangolis, you can exhibit your talent in the rangoli competition at the North York Diwali Fest. The entries are free of cost for all. 

Celebrations of Diwali in Vancouver 

During this Diwali season, there will be numerous celebrations in areas within and around Vancouver, where the largest Indian Population resides in Canada. Diwali Fest is one of the notable Diwali events held in the city. 

The Diwali Celebration Society in Vancouver hosts the Diwali Fest annually during the Diwali season, which includes several events in Vancouver and Surrey. The prices and features of these events differ from each other. 

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the festival’s inception, and for this year, the entire Diwali celebrations theme will be a “wedding theme.” 

The following are some of the events planned to occur this year during the Diwali season: 

  • Diwali in Coquitlam; 
  • Diwali Downtown Surrey; and 
  • Diwali Storytime (virtual event). 

Furthermore, you can enjoy a distinctive Diwali celebration in British Columbia, which is the annual Diwali boat celebration made feasible by the location of the city around coastal areas. 

Vancouver Boat Parties arrange these special gatherings. The following are the two events which will be held this year: 

  • Diwali Boat Festival Vancouver; and 
  • Diwali Fusion Bollywood Boat Party Vancouver (19+ event). 

Celebrations of Diwali in Montreal 

Montreal also organizes Diwali celebrations for individuals who celebrate Diwali, despite having a small Indian population as compared to Toronto and Vancouver. You can participate in the event free of charge, which will be held on November 10th from 4:30–6 p.m. 

Candle Making Workshop is one exciting event held by the Pierrefonds Public Library, allowing individuals to showcase their talents or learn something creative. It provides an opportunity for interested individuals to gain a better understanding of the creation and placement of diyas while also getting more insight into the cultural and religious importance of Diwali. 

This is how the Canadians embrace Diwali in Canada and its different regions, fostering a sense of unity and cultural exchange while also encouraging multiculturalism in the country.