Diwali celebrations in US and Canada, markets lit up with fairs and fireworks
The festival of Diwali is being celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Indian community in the US and Canada. Special fairs, Ramlila, and cultural programs have been organized in several cities.
Festivities of Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas are being celebrated with great enthusiasm in various cities across the US and Canada. Markets in many areas of both countries are illuminated with cultural fairs, colorful programs, Ramlila, and fireworks.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has officially recognized Diwali on November 8. Similarly, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has declared November 8 as 'Diwali Day' on behalf of the city council. Diwali proclamations have also been issued by North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and Washington Governor Bob Ferguson.
In Canada, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith attended Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas events at the Dasmesh Culture Centre and Hindu Society in Calgary. The country's Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali visited the Hindu Sabha Mandir, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford also participated in a Diwali gala.
In the US, a massive event was organized at Papayaani Park in Edison, New Jersey, featuring over one hundred thousand lights, a drone show, and fireworks. Ramlila and cultural presentations were held at Jackson Heights in New York and Oak Tree Road in New Jersey.
Chopra Pujan and special exhibitions were organized at BAPS temples in Bartlett, Chicago, and Chino Hills, Southern California. Gerrard India Bazaar in Toronto hosted a fair with music and lamps, while shops in Surrey and Montreal saw a huge rush for the purchase of traditional sweets.
Calgary Fire Marshal Glen Baxter reminded residents that lighting personal fireworks is prohibited in the city and urged people to celebrate the festival safely by lighting lamps.
Meanwhile, during a cultural Diwali event in Seattle, Washington State, some protestors raised racial slogans. US Representative Pramila Jayapal condemned the incident, stating that every community has the freedom to celebrate festivals without fear and such hatred will not be tolerated.
Key developments
- New York and Toronto officially declared November 8 as Diwali Day.
- Grand fairs and cultural programs were organized across several cities in Canada and the US.
- An incident of racial slogan chanting occurred during a Diwali event in Seattle, which was condemned by MP Pramila Jayapal.
