More and more Canadians are increasingly becoming aware of what Diwali is and its significance. This is attributed to increasing successes of Indo-Canadian business people and professionals and immigrants coming to Canada.
Conservative Member of Parliament, Deepak Obhrai, who has been in the forefront, celebrating Diwali at the House of Commons since 1999, rightly stated that Diwali 'has today become a widely celebrated event in Canada' and how Diwali 'has (now) emerged as a truly Canadian festival, with all Indo-Canadians and well-wishers partaking in its festivities.'
Interestingly, this year Canadian mainstream politicians are vying with one another 'wishing the Indo-Canadian community 'Happy Diwali'. In a statement from his office in Ottawa, Prime Minister Stephen Harper extended his and his government's 'warmest greetings and best wishes to members of the Indo-Canadian community' as they celebrated Diwali on October 21.
Addressing his message to the larger Canadian population also, Harper suggested they should know "Diwali symbolises the renewal of life and the triumph of good over evil. Every year, this joyous occasion is celebrated by some one billion people of the Hindu, Sikh and Jain faiths around the world. And that includes some one million of our fellow citizens right here in Canada.
"Friends, as you gather with your loved ones amid a sea of flickering flames, please know that the thoughts of our government are with you."
In his message, Harper also referred to "...a tremendous contribution' that 'the Indo-Canadian community has made (to Canada)" and how their "commitment to family and community serve as an inspiration to all."
Acting Liberal Leader Bill Graham conveyed his best wishes 'for a very memorable Diwali celebration' to all 'Canadians of Sikh, Hindu and Jain faiths' as they celebrated 'the renewal of life' and marked new beginnings and renewed their 'commitments to family and faith.'
Liberal leadership candidate, Michael Ignatief extended his own 'warmest wishes' to the Indo-Canadian community as they 'gather in celebration of Diwali.'
Diwali celebrations, he said, "...serve as an example of the many great contributions that the Indian community has made to Canada, enriching the fabric of our diverse country. Through the promise of opportunity and the commitment to equality, Canada is the most successful and enduring multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multicultural democracy in the world. The Indian and South Asian Diaspora in Canada has played an integral role in shaping this identity."
Ignatieff said, as Member of Parliament, he has worked with a number of Indo-Canadians 'in helping to build a progressive and strong Canada' and he was 'looking forward to working with you (Indo-Canadians) to strengthen our great country'.
As under his leadership, Canadian politicians and the Indo-Canadian community celebrated the 7th annual Diwali celebration on Parliament Hill, Conservative MP Obhrai noted this event 'has taken on the proportions of a national Diwali celebration.'
This was the first year that Queen's Park, seat of the Ontario Government in Toronto, celebrated Diwali, at the initiative of the Indian Consulate and Panorama India, where 200 invited guests who packed the main dining included Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and his wife Terry, and they were greeted with folded hands as they made their way inside.
Both of them were happy to support 'tilak' and 'bindi' on their foreheads as they were warmly received inside the dining hall.
The Diwali celebrations will now become an annual event at the Queen's Park.
Gerrard India Bazaar in the heart of Toronto, a stretch of four blocks, organised the 3-day Mela (street party) to celebrate Diwali with dozens and dozens of all kinds of their stores catering to the needs of the community and their friends and creating awareness amongst mainstream Canadians as to what the Diwali signifies, same way as the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Indo-Canadian students at the University of Toronto are no more to be left behind. Last night they arranged a big gala at the Heart House at the university campus to be with their University mates and friends to kick their feet at the beat of all kinds of Bollywood and Rap music.
No wonder increasing number of such kind of highly visible festivities and interests of politicians do create awareness and add to the psyche of ordinary Canadians as to what the festival of lights is all about where even storeowners have started greeting Indo-Canadians with a grin and 'Happy Diwali.'
