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Reflections-Opinions

What Diwali Means To Me...

Compiled by Garima Goswami, Darpan, 23 Oct, 2014

    Diwali is a time to celebrate a number of things, from family and friends to good triumphing over evil. It is a blessed festival with peace, harmony and enlightenment at its core. Growing up in Canada or abroad, each of us has a different experience and set of memories of this revered festival. We are happy to share the following Diwali memories with you.

    Radha Sarn says

    I love the festive mood in the air every autumn during Diwali. It's my favorite time of year and a great excuse to spend more time with my family. For me, Diwali is a holiday of joy; it's the time when we gather with loved ones, celebrate our family, friends and the prosperity God has bestowed upon us. Diwali signifies the triumph of good over evil, of righteousness over treachery, of truth over falsehood, of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. My family has a few traditions that make Diwali that much more special to us. We decorate our home with candles, let off fireworks and my son loves sparklers. We do this because we know that all the lights of Diwali symbolize the personal relationship between God and our family. In the joyous mood of the season I love to pray with my family weather that be at the temple or in the comfort of our lovely home. My heart is full of love and joy at this time each year! 


    Harold & Margareta Felhauer  says

    We were delighted to have experienced TOIFA first-hand and be part of the richness and culture of the South Asian community. As a result, we were welcomed with open arms on a personal and business level, and were overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of this community. We now celebrate Diwali in our office with our staff and clients. Our Bollywood clients share a common bond with the people here, and that is the celebration of Diwali and what it stands for - family, community, unity, and goodness. On behalf of everyone at Harold's Custom Equipment Rentals, from our family to yours, wishing you a very happy and prosperous Diwali!

     

    Vicki Gill says
    Diwali is one of my favourite festivals and my family participates in it. I was brought up in Canada and while growing up my parents always ensured that we celebrate the festival with lots of lights and food. Now as adults, we have kept that tradition going with our families. The festival teaches us to look at light get away from darkness. My family gets together and we celebrate Diwali as we did while growing up. We light up diyas and cook some special recipes on the day. On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I wish everyone a very happy and prosperous Diwali!

     

    Avneet Gill-Dhaliwal says

    Diwali: the festival of lights.  It is a joyous time of year when houses, shops, and schools are decorated with oil lamps called diyas.  It is a very important time of year for Hindus and Sikhs alike.  Being a Sikh, I was taught by my mother and Bebeji that Diwali celebrations are very special. This important day celebrates the release from prison of our sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Singh Ji and 52 other Raja prisoners. In these celebrations, families spend time together either cooking a feast or simply exchanging sweets. Children prepare for this day by purchasing fireworks and meeting with their friends to light them up. This day is filled with so much excitement and joy that no one can resist taking part. I will be going to the Gurdwara again this year to light a diya and pray for a prosperous and healthy new year for all of my loved ones. Happy Diwali to Everyone!

     

    Sid Sidhu says

    I spent most of early days growing up in India, so Diwali has always been a big day for me and my family. It will always resemble to the good old stories of freedom, and victory of good over evil. Diwali celebrations for me are incomplete without some sweets, good family time and how can I forget the firecrackers.

     

    Leena Monroe says

    Diwali means peace, joy, family and love to me. Diwali is also known as the "festival of lights." My family and I try to remember that along with the lights in the home and the burning diyas, the real "lights" of Diwali exist within us. And so we should focus on that light within us. The festival is a great time to remember to let your own inner light shine brightly and get away from the darkness. (And eat lots of Indian sweets!) I wish everyone a safe and happy Diwali!

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