INDO-CANADIANS CELEBRATE DIWALI ON A CRUISE, THOUSANDS GATHERED IN TORONTO

Numerous Indo-Canadians gathered to celebrate the Diwali holiday in Canada by taking in a music symphony and a Gala cruise boat at the harbourfront on the beaches of Lake Ontario.

This significant Diwali event was planned in Toronto by the Canada India Foundation in association with the Sunray Group and the Indo-Canada Arts Council. The Diwali music symphony and fireworks during the occasion drew a sizable crowd. Despite the fact that the fireworks were prohibited after some suspicious explosive material was discovered close to Toronto Island Airport, the Diwali celebration was a success. The dinner was presided over by India's consul general in Toronto, Apoorva Srivastava.

"We have been thinking to bring Diwali somewhere mainstream like Harbourfront and this happened. I am really really delighted. The celebrations are happening on boats. It is a very unique idea," she said.

Hindu Forum Canada also organised the neighbourhood to take part in this well-known Diwali celebration. On a cruise, the Indian flag was raised while everyone sang "Vande Mataram." and “Bharat Mata ki Jai”.

While the Hindus celebrate this holiday to remember Lord Rama's return from his 14-year exile and his victory over Ravana, for those of the Jain religion, this festival symbolises spiritual advancement since it commemorates Mahavira, the last Tirthankara, achieving Nirvana or Moksha.