Canadian parliament celebrates Diwali | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Canadian parliament celebrates Diwali

IANS | By, Toronto
Oct 10, 2009 11:03 AM IST

The Canadian parliament celebrated Diwali this week with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other top leaders lighting the traditional lamps.

The Canadian parliament celebrated Diwali this week with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other top leaders lighting the traditional lamps.

HT Image
HT Image

Immigration minister Jason Kenney, finance minster Jim Flaherty, public safety minister Peter Van Loan, parliamentary secretary Deepak Obhrai, opposition leader Jack Layton and parliamentarians were among the 450 dignitaries to attend the festivities on Thursday night.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

High commissioner Shashisekar Gavai of India and envoys from Pakistan and Malaysia were also among those who attended the evening gala.

After lighting the traditional lamp, Prime Minister Harper said the "growing Indo-Canadian community is at the forefront of Canada's quest to build an even better country for generations to come".

"From coast to coast our country has been and continues to be immeasurably enriched by your contributions."

After the prime minister, Obhrai and other guests lit the Diwali lamp and participated in a Hindu traditional ceremony conducted by priests from temples in Toronto and Ottawa. Diwali will be celebrated on Oct 17 this year.

Obhrai, who began celebrating Diwali at the Canadian parliament in 1998, thanked the prime minister and other dignitaries.

"Since 1998, Diwali on Parliament Hill (the seat of the House of Commons) has grown in significance and stature, and today can truly be considered as Canada's National Diwali Festival," said Obhrai, who is parliamentary secretary to the foreign minister.

The guests were shown how Diwali is celebrated differently in various parts of India.

After the ceremonies, a traditional Diwali dinner was laid out and the guests were treated to Indian delicacies.

With the festival of lights just days away, the almost a million-strong Indian community in Canada has begun small-scale celebrations across the country.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On