Chandigarh: The Indian diaspora, mainly from Punjab, celebrated Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas across Canada in a traditional way by bursting firecrackers despite municipalities of Brampton, Mississauga and Surrey tightened their rules and by paying obeisance at shrines. The Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, the Sikh festival of liberation.

In a message, Punjab-origin Minister of Emergency Preparedness Harjit Sajjan said: “In a world that sometimes feels divided. These festivals remind us of the unity and inclusivity that can be found in Canada and beyond. Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas are not limited to a singular religious or a cultural group.

“They are embraced by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and many others. Each of us has a unique story to contribute to the Canadian identity…May these festivals inspire us to embrace unity, spread joy and uphold the spirit of togetherness in the face of division.”

In a message, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: “As we mark Diwali, we also recognize the many contributions of Canadians from Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist communities to our country’s cultural fabric, and we celebrate their role in making Canada the diverse and inclusive place we call home. On behalf of all Canadians, I wish everyone a very happy Diwali.”

Ahead of the festival of lights, Canada Post released a new stamp to mark Diwali -- the fifth year in a row to celebrate the festivities by issuing a special stamp. On the occasion, Consulate General of India in Vancouver, Manish, visited Khalsa Diwan Society and offered prayers. He addressed the ‘sangat’ and conveyed his greetings on Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas. The historic Bandi Chhor Diwas marks the release of 52 Hindu princes from the Gwalior fort by sixth Guru Hargobind Sahib on Diwali that is also celebrated as the sacred day.

Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland greeted the diaspora by saying: “This is an occasion to remember that light can prevail over darkness. I hope you are able to celebrate with friends and family in peace and happiness!”

Iqra Khalid, MP for Mississauga, in a post on X wrote: “What a wholesome evening serving langar and celebrating Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas with the Mississauga-Erin Mills Sikh and Hindu community at Shiromani Sikh Sangat. Thank you for including me!”

Mayor of Brampton Patrick Brown celebrated the festivals by saying, “Diwali and Bandhi Chhor Divas is a time to gather with family and friends, and neighbours”. He participated in Brampton’s first-ever Diwali mela that saw 20,000 plus attendees who enjoyed an evening of performances from Punjabi singer Malkit Singh where delicious food and, of course, Canada’s largest dazzling Diwali fireworks were displayed.

SINGAPORE

In a special gesture, the Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) organised a Diwali celebration for Indian migrants, treating them to an evening of festivities that included performances, games and activities. The November 12, 2023 event was held at Changi Lodge 2 in Tanah Merah Coast Road where more than 1,000 other migrant workers, including many from Tamil Nadu, reside.

“This celebration makes me miss home and my wife,” Chinnaiah Alagu, a railway track repairman who has been working in Singapore for five years, told The Straits Times newspaper. “It is a thoughtful event, especially the painting of diyas because that is what we do at home,” he said.

Mohan, a 33-year-old worker from Tamil Nadu, put up a street dance performance along with his Indian and Malaysian friends. “I showed my wife and children on a video call what it is like to celebrate Deepavali in Singapore. I just wanted to show them we are looked after, and it is equally bright and colourful here,” Mohan told The Straits Times.

While many workers queued up in front of biryani and dessert stalls, others participated in activities like diya painting and a game of identifying Indian sweets. A volunteer from the event said that within an hour, more than 100 lamps had been painted by the participants. “Some of the designs are unique, and the migrant workers waited patiently for the acrylic paint to dry before collecting their hand-painted lamps,” she said.

The food that was contributed by the Indian Muslim Social Service Association, and among the volunteers were family members of MOM staff. Senior Minister of State for Manpower Koh Poh Koon, who was the guest of honour at the event, addressed the migrant community and extended his wishes for the festival of lights. “Deepavali, being the festival of lights, symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil. So, today, I want to wish everyone all the goodness in your life and all the happiness you can have,” Koon said.

“It is not just a way to celebrate with them (migrant workers), but also give them a sense that Singaporeans are also celebrating with them on this festive occasion. It is very much part of our mission to care for them,” Tung Yui Fai, chief of MOM’s Assurance, Care and Engagement Group, said.

In addition to celebrations at the Changi Lodge 2, activities such as movie screenings, cricket tournaments, and dance and cultural performances also took place at various migrant worker recreation centres and community clubs across the island.

Based on data published by the Ministry of External Affairs Consular Services, Indian nationals make up about 350,000 or 24 per cent of these non-residents in Singapore. The proportion of Indian professionals in Singapore doubled from 13 to 25 per cent between 2005 and 2020, according to MOM.