The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas:
"Today, we join Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities in Canada and around the world to celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.
"This holiday – known as the Festival of Lights – symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
Happy #Diwali to everyone celebrating! pic.twitter.com/LJZGWkgXku
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 7, 2018
"Families and friends will gather to pray, exchange gifts, share meals, and light diyas in a spirit of hope. Diwali is also a chance to honour the many communities that celebrate this occasion.
"Canadians of Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist faiths, as well as the larger South Asian diaspora, shape our country for the better every day.
"On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish everyone celebrating a happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas."
Today, we gather to celebrate #Diwali, the festival of lights. It is the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. As we light candles, feast and share gifts, let’s remember that diversity is a source of pride & strength in Canada. I wish everyone a happy Diwali! pic.twitter.com/WJ71rXyBMN
— Jean-Yves Duclos (@jyduclos) November 7, 2018
Fireworks, LED lighting mark 'Bandi Chhor Diwas', Diwali at Golden Temple
A fireworks display and LED lighting marked the celebrations of 'Bandi Chhor Diwas' and Diwali as thousands of devotees flocked to the Golden Temple complex here on Wednesday.
The traditional fireworks display was a spectacular event even though its timing was reduced to just 10 minutes this year owing to pollution concerns.
The complex, where the holiest of Sikh shrines, the 'Harmandar Sahib' is located, was illuminated with LED lights, giving it a glittering look.
#Diwali at Amritsar's sublime Golden Temple. Fireworks galore. Thousands of people. And not a single sign of trouble. A credit to Sikhism and to India.
— Daniel McCrohan (@danielmccrohan) November 7, 2018
Happy Diwali to you all. pic.twitter.com/7TLFeO1mOI
Golden Temple in Amritsar illuminated with lights on the eve of Diwali pic.twitter.com/DBmOHI8u8I
— Praveen Tulsian (@tulsian918) November 7, 2018
There was festive spirit at the shrine complex in this Sikh holy city as thousands of people came here to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Acting Jathedar (chief) of the Akal Takht, Harpreet Singh, read out his message to the Sikh community on the occasion.
The domes, buildings and floors of the shrine complex were cleaned and lit up for the occasion.
Punjab: Devotees offer prayers and take holy dip at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on the occasion of #Diwali pic.twitter.com/EKQEdlASmo
— ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2018
The day is celebrated in the Sikh religion as 'Bandi Chhor Diwas' (prisoner liberation day). On this day, the sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind, returned to Amritsar after being released along with 52 princes from imprisonment by the Mughal emperor Jahangir from Gwalior prison in 1619.
The guru and the princes arrived in Amritsar during the Diwali festivities. Since then, the Bandi Chhor Diwas and Diwali celebrations coincide at the Golden Temple complex.
Candle-tastic scenes at the Golden Temple.
— Daniel McCrohan (@danielmccrohan) November 7, 2018
Happy #Diwali#LPinIndia#LP#India#Amritsar pic.twitter.com/xkYEGO7R4Q
Elsewhere in Punjab, markets wore a festive look on the occasion of Diwali but traders said that sales were down.
People thronged various markets in Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala and other towns.
Golden Temple wali Diwali 😍 Hope each and every one of you had a memorable one too. #Diwali #HappyDiwali pic.twitter.com/S3ZidOh75Z
— Shrishti Sinha (@i_shrishti) November 7, 2018
Happy Diwali from the Golden Temple.#Amritsar#Diwali#LPinIndia pic.twitter.com/8IgkqLjhRH
— Daniel McCrohan (@danielmccrohan) November 7, 2018
Diwali 2018: Akshay Kumar, Varun Dhawan, Ranveer Singh, Kajol And Others Shower Fans With Festive Greetings
On the occasion of Diwali on Wednesday, members of the film fraternity wished their fans and followers a happy and eco-friendly Diwali and urged them to avoid bursting loud crackers.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher, in New York for work, tweeted: "My dear countrymen, Happy Diwali to all of you. May God fulfil all your wishes."
Filmmaker Karan Johar too greeted everyone and asked people to stay positive -- always.
Actor Akshay Kumar treated his fans to a picture of post Diwali puja, featuring his wife and author Twinkle Khanna, his daughter Nitara and his office team.
The mood is festive and happy, post the Diwali puja in the office today. Here’s wishing you all a safe and very #HappyDiwali from us ✨✨✨ pic.twitter.com/tqJcMF60cJ
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) November 7, 2018
Happy Diwali to all . Hope you all find the light in you . Be happy , be kind, be safe . ✨🙏💜 pic.twitter.com/X1TmaWSpa6
— Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) November 7, 2018
Apart from wishing the people, actresses Anushka Sharma and Sunny Leone urged their fans to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali.
"Let's make this Diwali memorable. Avoid bursting loud crackers as animals and small kids get scared and those toxic fumes will only hurt everyone," Sunny tweeted.
Happy Diwali everyone! 💥
— Sunny Leone (@SunnyLeone) November 7, 2018
शुभ दीपावली 💥
Hope you all are celebrating with your family and loved ones 😍
Let’s make this Diwali memorable !
Avoid bursting loud crackers as Animals 🐾 and small kids get scared and those toxic fumes will only hurt everyone!! #HappyDiwali 🎉🎊 pic.twitter.com/dzhEBdd0K0
Anushka posted a short animated video of a dog thanking humans for "bursting less crackers this time".
Happy Diwali from our home ✨ May you all find the light in you this Diwali .... 🕉✨🙏 pic.twitter.com/B6i4EBzWKI
— Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) November 7, 2018
T 2987 - प्रातहकाल , दीपावली की अनेक अनेक शुभकामनाएँ 🙏🙏
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) November 6, 2018
greetings for a happy prosperous and successful diwali .. pic.twitter.com/rMN2PUAj12
Here's what others said:
Kajol: Wishing everyone a light filled bright happy prosperous Diwali. Let the light in your houses echo in your hearts and let's light up the world with our positivity instead of crackers.
Happy Diwali. So happy to be home to celebrate with my loved ones. I wish for the world to be bestowed with love, light and happiness. 💥✨ pic.twitter.com/dU4iU2bXmv
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) November 7, 2018
Arjun Kapoor: Love and happiness to you all.
Love and happiness to you all on this Diwali. 🌟💫 pic.twitter.com/OZUDDkOW7t
— Arjun Kapoor (@arjunk26) November 7, 2018
Kajal Aggarwal: Wishing you love, light and happiness all through the year.
Sunil Shetty: Let the lights Shine On. Stay happy and healthy.
May there be victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. #HappyDiwali and a healthy, prosperous year ahead! pic.twitter.com/q4ypX5sEg8
— Dia Mirza (@deespeak) November 7, 2018
Happy Diwali. pic.twitter.com/iwVhKTmN1k
— Abhishek Bachchan (@juniorbachchan) November 7, 2018
Happy Diwali! May the light within us shine at its brightest & illuminate the world around us as well ♥️
— Shraddha (@ShraddhaKapoor) November 7, 2018
Happy Diwali everyone! May you receive all the love and light in the world that you deserve ✨ #diwali2018 #happydiwali pic.twitter.com/uDEbv0wXdH
— Sonakshi Sinha (@sonakshisinha) November 7, 2018
#HappyDiwali 💛✨ pic.twitter.com/UuBPxM37lF
— Sanjay Dutt (@duttsanjay) November 7, 2018
May you leave a little sparkle wherever you go. May there be light and Love wherever you go. Wishing you a very #HappyDiwali pic.twitter.com/8ObMlrSArF
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 7, 2018
Happy Diwali my dear friends here on Twitter thank you for the love. #HappyDiwali pic.twitter.com/RtITZkPrIn
— arjun rampal (@rampalarjun) November 7, 2018
Goodbye darkness, hello light! #HappyDiwali pic.twitter.com/kZQalOtH8Y
— Kal Penn (@kalpenn) November 7, 2018
If you're celebrating Diwali today, then we've got a special message for you... #HappyDiwali from @MesutOzil1088 and everyone at the club 🕯 pic.twitter.com/2GjEvrpmnE
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) November 7, 2018
Happy Diwali to all my twitter friends. In this ‘Festival of Lights’... BE THE LIGHT🌟#HappyDiwali #FestivalofLights #2018 pic.twitter.com/JrQqPQWABU
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) November 7, 2018
#HappyDiwali Y'all! May light triumph over darkness. pic.twitter.com/tBWWplJ7CC
— Sen. Jay Chaudhuri (@jay_chaudhuri) November 7, 2018
#HappyDipawali all✨ keep smiling keep loving keep shining. Remove whatever hurts, whatever makes you bitter or sad. Forgive whatever it is and allow yourself to heal beautifully❤️. Remember life is to be celebrated because nothing will be forever, so enjoy each moment. pic.twitter.com/LU0lsQ6P6c
— Elli AvrRam (@ElliAvrRam) November 7, 2018
Twitter Bonhomie Between PM Modi And ‘Bibi’ On Display On Diwali
Bonhomie and camaraderie were on display on Twitter between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, who is affectionately called ‘Bibi’, on the occasion of Diwali on Wednesday.
The Israel prime minister wished PM Modi and the citizens of India a joyous Diwali.
“On behalf of the people of Israel, I would like to wish my dear friend @narendramodi and the people of India a joyous Diwali. May this luminous festival of lights bring you happiness and prosperity. Reply to this tweet with the name of the city where you’re celebrating!, (sic)” he wished on Twitter.
On behalf of the people of Israel, I would like to wish my dear friend @narendramodi and the people of India a joyous Diwali. May this luminous festival of lights bring you happiness and prosperity. Reply to this tweet with the name of the city where you’re celebrating! 🇮🇱🇮🇳
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) November 6, 2018
Modi in his reply addressed the Israel PM by his nickname ‘Bibi’ and said he was celebrating Diwali by visiting the border areas and spending the day with troops.
“Bibi, my friend, thank you so much for the Diwali wishes. Every year, I visit our border areas and surprise our troops. This year too, will spend Diwali with our brave troops. Spending time with them is special. I will share photos of the same tomorrow evening, (sic)” PM Modi tweeted.
Bibi, my friend, thank you so much for the Diwali wishes.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 6, 2018
Every year, I visit our border areas and surprise our troops. This year too, will spend Diwali with our brave troops. Spending time with them is special.
I will share photos of the same tomorrow evening. :) @netanyahu https://t.co/gnouOA3QGt
PM Modi Spends Diwali At Kedarnath, Meets Soldiers At India-China Border
Modi reached Kedarnath in Uttarakhand today and offered his prayers at the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. On his way there, he also extended Diwali greetings to soldiers posted on the India-China border at Harsil.
According to a statement from his office, the Prime Minister told soldiers that doing duty in the remote icy heights is enabling the strength of the nation, and securing the future and the dreams of 125 crore Indians. The jawans, through their commitment and discipline, are also helping to spread the sense of security and fearlessness among the people, he said.
On the banks of the pristine Bhagirathi river, praying to Maa Bhagirathi.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 7, 2018
Felt extremely blessed. pic.twitter.com/uz2PEPYYbx
Earlier today, Prime Minister Modi greeted the people on Diwali. "Happy Diwali! May this festival bring happiness, good health and prosperity in everyone's lives. May the power of good and brightness always prevail!" his tweet read.
Last night, the prime minister had an interesting exchange with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on twitter. Mr Netanyahu posted a tweet in Hindi wishing his "dear friend" PM Modi on Diwali, to which the Indian prime minister replied in Hebrew.
Dear PM @netanyahu, as promised yesterday, here are some glimpses of how I celebrated Diwali.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 7, 2018
I went to the magnificent state of Uttarakhand, where I paid a surprise visit to our brave troops in Harsil, followed by prayers at Kedarnath, one of the holiest places in India. pic.twitter.com/J1JJ1q5bWj
The prime minister arrived in Dehradun this morning and he is expected to go to Kedarnath, where he is likely to offer his prayers and examine the reconstruction work at Kedarpuri. The foundation stone for the Kedarpuri reconstruction project was laid by the prime minister during his visit to Kedarnath last year.
After becoming the prime minister in 2014, PM Modi had spent Diwali that year with jawans in Siachen.
The next year, he visited the Punjab border. His visit coincided with 50 years of the 1965 India-Pakistan war. In 2016, PM Modi was in Himachal Pradesh, where he spent time with Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel at an outpost. Last year, PM Modi had spent Diwali with soldiers at Gurez in Jammu and Kashmir.
Thank you for the splendid Diwali wishes, Your Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 7, 2018
Wishing you a Happy Diwali as well.
Your personal commitment towards robust India-UAE relations adds great strength to our bilateral ties. @HHShkMohd https://t.co/pSHyK7xBIL
बाबा केदारनाथ के दर्शन का सौभाग्य पाकर अभिभूत हूं।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 7, 2018
मैंने महादेव से देश की निरंतर प्रगति और सभी देशवासियों के सुख, शांति और समृद्धि की कामना की है।
जय बाबा केदारनाथ ! pic.twitter.com/IlyPJ7pcsi
While interacting with Army and @ITBP_official Jawans in Harsil, spoke about the numerous steps being taken by the Government of India for the strengthening of the defence sector, welfare of ex-servicemen and highlighted how Indian forces are admired globally for the skills. pic.twitter.com/DFAuJfrQwy
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 7, 2018
Celebrated Diwali with our valorous Army and @ITBP_official personnel at Harsil in Uttarakhand.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 7, 2018
India is immensely proud of all those who protect our nation, with utmost dedication and courage.
We salute them! pic.twitter.com/siW4Yz2UUd
