Diwali Fest lights up Metro Vancouver, October 16, 20, 21, and 23

Events in Vancouver and Surrey feature live dance and music, rangolis, lighting of diyas, and more

DIWALI IS THE brightest and biggest event on the Indian calendar, a global celebration that encompasses dance, music, and storytelling; fireworks; gifts of sweets; rangolis (traditional floor patterns made of coloured sand or powder); and the lighting of diyas (small clay oil lamps).

Diwali means “row of lighted lamps”, and the light symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, prosperity over poverty, and knowledge over ignorance.

The Diwali Celebration Society describes the festival as one that strives to break cultural barriers, bring communities together, and promote inclusivenes. It also aims to foster intercultural understanding “by exploring how traditional South Asian arts evolve into fusion forms in the context of new countries and contemporary values”.

The 2022 edition is made up of several multidisciplinary happenings.

Diwali Downtown Surrey takes place at Surrey City Hall on October 16 at 2 pm, with live performances and kids’ activities.

Diwali Stories with Vancouver Public Library is an online event on October 20 at 1:30 pm. Author Mithali Banerjee Ruths will do a live reading of her book Archie Celebrates Diwali.

On October 21 at 5:30 pm, Diwali @Vancouver Public Library kicks off at 5:30 pm, with music and dance performances, diya painting, and chai.

Finally, Diwali Downtown Vancouver happens on October 23 at 2 pm at the Roundhouse Community Centre. There will be an interactive rangoli installation, family-friendly activities, food trucks, a Diwali market, henna designs, and live dance and music.

For more infroatmoin, see Diwali Fest.

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