The City of Vancouver, as a partner in the Vancouver Celebrates Diwali Steering Committee, will help mark the annual South Asian festival of lights with a free public celebration on:
Saturday, November 10, 2007
12 pm to 4 pm
Roundhouse Community Centre
181 Roundhouse Mews (Pacific at Davie)
Mayor Sam Sullivan will issue a Diwali proclamation at 12:30 pm, and the afternoon will be a showcase of entertainment and activities.
Featured artists include the Footedge Dance Company; musicians Vidyasagar, Ta Ki Ta, Kalpana Prasad and Stefan Chihelka; Bolly dance performances by Virtha Dance; and South Asian classical dance performances by Trisha Rampersad, Rena Boggaram, Gargy Bannerji, Kieran Herrallal, and Sudnya Naik. The event will also include craft and dance workshops, mehndi, and clothing and food vendors.
Diwali is celebrated in many ways throughout the community but the spiritual meaning remains the same. Diwali , from the word deepavali, translates to ‘row of lights’. Light symbolizes good overcoming evil, knowledge transcending ignorance, an illumination of the mind, and hope for mankind during the darkest time of the year. Diwali is a time of renewal and reflection celebrated with family, friends and the community through music, dance, and food.
The City of Vancouver has recognized and celebrated Diwali for many years. Through partnerships with the Park Board and the community, events are held at the Roundhouse Community Centre, and other venues. The festival is also acknowledged through the City Hall Lights program, where the trees outside City Hall are lit up with red and clear lights. This year, the trees will be lit from November 5 to 10.
Other celebratory events in the city include tea and music at "Chaihouse" on November 9, and fun workshops throughout the week at various locations. For details on Diwali events around the city, visit: www.vandiwali.ca.
