This seems to be a great event as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau celebrated Diwali with the Indian Community in Ottawa. As Diwali is the most significant festival of lights so Indians in foreign countries celebrate it with enthusiasm within their communities. Canadian PM Trudeau lit the ceremonial lamp and wished the Indian Diaspora a happy Diwali. In fact, Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Vikas Swarup was also present on the occasion.
Mr. Trudeau was in a black Sherwani. And he tweeted, “Diwali Mubarak! We’re celebrating in Ottawa tonight. #HappyDiwali!”
Joint Stamp issue of Canada and India
In month of September, Canada Post and India Post jointly issued stamps that celebrate Diwali. Diwali, the Festival of Lights is observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains in Canada as well as around the world. These stamps were unveiled at Toronto City Hall by Canada Post President and CEO Deepak Chopra; Vikas Swarup, the High Commissioner of India to Canada; and Mayor of Toronto John Tory.
“The Diwali stamps express our pride in Canada being a land of diverse faiths, customs and celebrations,” says Chopra “It is fitting that this historic first joint issue celebrates the strong relationship between Canada and India.”
Why do we celebrate Diwali?
According to Hindu mythology, Diwali, marks the return Lord Ram, the King of Ayodhya in northern India 14-year-long exile. This festival symbolizes the victory of lord Rama (goodness) over demon king Ravana (evil) in distant Lanka. Lord Ram is widely regarded as the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. On Diwali, people illuminate their houses with coloured lights and earthen lamps.
Another reason behind Diwali celebration is to revere the Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu deity of wealth and prosperity and consort of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the Goddess Lakshmi blesses those homes that are clean and well lit.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is known for embracing cultural and religious diversity. He also celebrated and greeted the Muslim population in his country on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr in June this year. He was wearing a pair of socks with text reading “Eid Mubarak,” written on it, honouring the religious day that marked the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.
