By Gian Singh Kotli
ABBOTSFORD – Quite in accordance with the true spirit of Diwali, popularly known as the Festival of Lights, an impressive and enlightening multicultural program was arranged by all the branches of TD Canada Trust Abbotsford on October 16 at the prestigious Abbotsford Banquet and Conference Hall. With a view to create more awareness about the multicultural aspect of Diwali the Bank invited communities from all backgrounds to attend this event. Speakers stressed upon the need to celebrate Diwali by inviting such multicultural audience. To provide the Punjabi cultural tinge to the event the Bhangra Team of Punjabi youths nicely enthralled the audience with their forceful and hilarious performance two times.
It was keynote speaker Gian Singh Kotli who provided all embracing light on various aspects of Diwali as celebrated by different communities. He narrated the incidents as to how the lamps were lit when Lord Rama came back to his kingdom after spending 14 years in exile, Guru Hargobind Ji came to Amritsar, ascension to thrown of King Bikramaditya, martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh Ji, worship of Goddess Kali, etc. The tradition goes on and to commemorate those events we light earthen lamps with mustard oil and decorate our homes with costly lights as well. This is a ritual.
Quoting from Sikh Scripture Gian Singh Kotli stressed upon the need to grasp the real significance of this celebration which lies in enlightening our hearts with love compassion, humbleness, service, sympathy and virtuous deeds by removing the darkness of ignorance, evil deeds, greed, lust, hatred, meaningless rituals and envy.
Punjabi Patrika chief editor Andy Sidhu, Editor Dave Sidhu, noted artist Jarnail Singh Panesar, Rizwan Peerzada President Ahmaddiya Jamaat Abbotsford and associates specially attended the program. Sarbjeet Johal, Ahamad Rahan TD Bank manager and all members worked hard to make this program a success. Guests were provided with very delicious multicultural dinner.
