The event was supported by 67 Hindu and Indo-Canadian organisations and saw participants from across the country, including Ottawa, Greater Toronto Area and Montreal
Prominent members of the Indian diaspora were in attendance at the Diwali celebrations hosted by Indo-Canadian MP Chandra Arya who also raised a Hindu flag with sacred symbol ‘aum’ on the Parliament Hill, reported IANS. The celebrations on November 5 coincided with the ongoing Hindu Heritage Month in Canada, which is held annually in November to acknowledge the significant contributions made by the community. The event was supported by 67 Hindu and Indo-Canadian organisations and saw participants from across the country, including Ottawa, Greater Toronto Area and Montreal.
“I was pleased to host Diwali on parliament hill. We also used this opportunity to raise the flag of Hindu sacred symbol Aum on parliament hill. My sincere thanks to all those who attended, volunteers and artists of excellent cultural performances at the event,” Arya wrote in a message posted on X.
“Hindu Canadians are the most peaceful, highly educated and hardworking community and hence a successful community. We have significantly contributed and continue to do so for the socio-economic development of Canada. We have immensely enriched Canada’s multicultural fabric,” Arya said.
The Karnataka-born MP had initiated a private members motion in May last year to mark November as the Hindu Heritage Month, which was later unanimously passed in the House of Commons.
The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined the Indian community in the country to bring in Diwali, lighting lamps at Parliament Hill in Ottawa. This came at a time when Canada’s relations with India are at an all-time low.
Sharing glimpses of the event on his Instagram, Trudeau wrote: “In just a few days, people across the country and around the world will celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas. Both celebrations are about the triumph of light over darkness, and about optimism – and both are a symbol of the light we all need more of. To everyone who came together for yesterday’s event on Parliament Hill: Happy Diwali! Happy Bandi Chhor Divas! I hope the celebrations this week bring you optimism for the year ahead.”
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