NDP government held first ever Diwali celebrations in the legislature this week to mark both Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas. Premier John Horgan and many of his ministers and MLAs joined Indo-Canadian community members for the grand occasion.
“Today, we join Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains all over the province to celebrate Diwali, Deepavali and Bandi Chhor Divas. As friends, families and communities come together to celebrate the festival by lighting diyas, we also celebrate the victory of light over darkness, of hope over despair and of good over evil. Diwali represents a time of year to reflect on the good in our lives and to think about helping people in our community.
It is a time to come together and celebrate our diverse backgrounds and beliefs, and rejoice in our shared values of respect, inclusion and equality.” Leader of the Official Opposition, Andrew Wilkinson, also wished the community on Diwali: “Today, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and others across our province will celebrate the start of the festival of lights in British Columbia. Both Diwali and Bandi Chhor Diwas signify the triumph of light over darkness, hope over despair, and celebrate the victory of good in the world.”
