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Diwali 2020 Virtual Celebrations in the Lower Mainland

Posted on: October 28, 2020

Get Together and Celebrate Diwali with Family and Friends, Virtually!

People across the world are gearing up to celebrate Diwali, the Indian festival of lights over the coming weeks. What started in India and is now a world-wide celebration, brings together individuals to celebrate as one community.

Diwali is an important religious celebration, comparable to a blend of Thanksgiving and New Years and centres around harvest. During the five-day celebration, we decorate homes and buildings with rows of lights and oil lamps called diyas. For many, Diwali honours the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. The lights help her find her way into homes to bring prosperity and luck in the new year. Additionally, Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil, which is a major theme throughout the festival.

With Diwali celebrations beginning this week in the Lower Mainland, we have rounded up our favourite celebrations.

Diwali Downtown Surrey takes place Sunday, November 1, 2020 from 2:00 – 4:00pm and is followed by Diwali Downtown Vancouver on November 7, 2020 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm. Due to current restrictions, this year’s festival is virtual to allow you to celebrate the Festival of Lights safely from your own home with close family.

Diwali celebrations often include cleaning and decoration of homes, gathering with friends and family, exchanging gifts and sweets, enjoying delicious food together, watching fireworks, and indulging in music and dance. In total, Diwali is a five-day festival which marks the start of the Hindu New Year. The celebration dates vary each year due to the position of the moon.

Virtual Diwali Celebrations Offered for All!

Diwali Fest has a few additional events planned for you to join, virtually with more being planned. Stay tuned to their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates:

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Join the Coquitlam Public Library for Diwali Storytime on November 4, 2020 at 11:30am! This engaging and educational storytelling experience is suitable for all children and their families.

Paint your Diya during this virtual art workshop on November 8, 2020 at 4:00pm. A complimentary Diwali art kit is available for families this year. They are available for pick up at the Coquitlam Public Library, the Evergreen Cultural Centre, and the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre.

Chai House will feature performances by artists of various genres. Tune in on November 21, 2020 at 4:00pm for some lively entertainment.

To learn more about this Festival of Lights, check out your local library. The Coquitlam Public Library offers a number of books from ‘Baby’s First Diwali’ to ‘Deepak’s Diwali.’ Can’t make it into the library? Check out the eBooks and Audiobooks and more with your library card.

Wishing you a Diwali that brings happiness prosperity and joy to you and all your family.