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DIWALI IN CANADA
Diwali also known as “Festival of Lights” is a big festival celebrated all over India. It is getting very popular in Canada as well. It is a joyous festival that attracts plenty of media and public attention in Canada. Various community groups, businesses, schools and associations celebrate Diwali each year. Some companies have corporate Diwali dinners and some communities organize carnivals or gatherings that feature firework displays. Many Diwali festivals feature dances, street lighting, and plays.
It was just few years ago that Canadians of Indian origin were celebrating Diwali quietly in their homes few their friends and family. Fireworks, which is a major part of the celebrations was minimal because they needed to get permission from the local municipalities to light fireworks in public. Today, the diaspora has changed because more and more people are celebrating the festival in public. There is a degree of acceptance which allows for public display of fireworks, organize carnivals and promote the festival. One wonders whether this change is a planned event or is just a reflection of the changing landscape.
Today there are many Indians that have accepted Canada as their new home. In addition, the efforts of Indians who have lived in Canada for the past 15- 20 years have paid off. These families maintained their culture while integrating into the main stream. The second and third generation Indians of Canadian origin enthusiastically celebrate Diwali along with their family and friends of which some may not be Indians. Therefore, this shows a natural progression where there is a general understanding and appreciation of this festival. In addition, the increase in number of Indians in Canada has made it more fun to celebrate this festival. Last but not the least there are many Indians that are in the government and elected members of the government holding portfolios. Since Indians are in various decision making positions whether it is the government, corporate environment or as business entrepreneurs it is easier to organize public events to celebrate the festival whether it is getting permission to display fireworks at the temples or booking a banquet hall. The change in Diwali celebrations in Canada is significant because it reflects the increase in number of Indians who have decided to make Canada their home and also have integrated into the main stream. This makes this wonderfully country a true multicultural mosaic and tolerant society where immigrants are free to express their culture in more than one way and gladly call this land our land.
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