News&Features 5

Festival full of

colours

Celebrates culture, family, spiritual renewal and light

iwali will be celebrated on Nov. 7 this year.
As Diwali marks the onset of the new be-

innings it is a time for new beginnings that

symbolizes light over darkness,
good over evil and prosperity
over poverty.

The date changes annually in
accordance with the lunar cy-
cle. Many of the public events
are held before the offical day
of Diwali to offer opportunities
for larger cultural celebration,

which allows for a more intimate family celebration

on the day of Diwali.

In Hindu mythology, Diwali marks the day of King
Rama’s return to his hometown. After 14 years of
banishment, and after rescuing his wife from a demon
king, the town welcomed them back by lighting tra-

part of Diwali.”
— KRITI DEWAN, DANCER

“Diyas are avery crucial

ditional Diya candles to ensure they would find their
way back home.
“Diyas are still a very crucial part of Diwali,” said

Kriti Dewan.

In preparation for Diwali,
traditional values include vari-
ous duties around the home
and within the comunity. The
traditional rituals include vari-
ous tasks such as: cleaning one’s
homes in spirit of renewal; buy-
ing gifts for loved ones; and ex-

changing sweet desserts to one another.

It is considered an auspicious and positive time of

the year where people allow themselves to make im-
portant purchases, such as new furniture, new cars or
new houses. It’s also the time of year to let go of any
misgivings or broken relationships.

UPCOMING DIWALI
EVENTS IN METRO

VANCOUVER

? Nov. 2 canucks celebrate
Diwali night from 5 p.m. to 8:30
p.m. at Rogers Arena.

Nov. 3 Celebrations by
Inter-Cultural Association
Vancouver 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
at Bollywood Banquet Hall &
Convention Centre Ltd.

Nov. 4 biwalilunch and
dance at Trout Lake Commu-
nity Centre from 12:30 p.m. to
2:30 p.m.

Nov. 4 Diwali in Kitsilano
from 4 p.m. to 6.p.m. at the
Kitsilano Community Centre.

Nov. 8 piwali at Evergreen
Cultural Centre at 6 p.m.

v

SOURCE: DIWALI EVENTS VANCOUVER