Hindu community celebrates Diwali at Brandon City Hall
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/11/2024 (331 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The Hindu community celebrated Diwali at Brandon City Hall on Friday afternoon.
Some of the dignitaries in attendance include Mayor Jeff Fawcett, Brandon Police Service Chief Tyler Bates, Brandon Fire and Emergency Services Chief Terry Parlow, and Brandon West Progressive Conservative MLA Wayne Balcaen.
Hindu community volunteer Ayushi Patel said the event commemorated the Hindu festival of lights, which honours the legendary return of Lord Rama.
“Diwali symbolizes more than just Lord Rama’s victory. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance,” Patel told the audience. “It embodies themes of renewal and community connection through traditions like decorating homes, lighting oil lamps and sharing sweets.”
Patel also acknowledged the ongoing Diwali food drive organized by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, encouraging residents to support Helping Hands Brandon by donating until Nov. 8.
Fawcett appreciated the community for the festival and Brandon’s multicultural identity.
“This celebration is also a Brandon celebration because we’re all Brandonites,” he said. “Events like Diwali foster understanding and unity because its message of togetherness and joy has commonalities with seasonal customs in Canada.”
Balcaen said community learning and cultural exchange are important for communal growth.
“Celebrations like these are reminders that good people bring light over darkness,” he said, extending congratulations on the recent inauguration of a new mandir in Brandon.
He revealed plans to highlight Diwali and Brandon’s growing Hindu community in an upcoming Manitoba legislature statement, emphasizing their contribution to the community’s cultural landscape.
Bates reflected on the significance of building relationships through events like Diwali.
“Celebrations like these enrich us and build community trust,” Bates said.
Parlow echoed the sentiment, sharing his department’s commitment to supporting the community and expressing gratitude for being part of the event. He spoke warmly of previous collaborations with the Hindu community and looked forward to future opportunities.
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