Diwali, which is also known as the “festival of lights”, marks an auspicious event according to the Hindu calendar.  This year Hindu Student Council hosted Diwali Dhamaka on October 28^th, 2011 at University of Toronto Mississauga.  Diwali marks the triumph of good over evil and moreover gives an opportunity for all to unite and celebrate diversity with sweets, fireworks, and spending time with loved ones.

Hindu Student Council provided an opportunity to bring everyone together and celebrate this festive season with the mixture of live performances, music and delicious Indian food.

There were variety of dance performances including exceptional tabla performance by Manmeet Singh, lively music sung and performed by Saad and Ahsan, beautifully choreographed dance performances by Radhika Batra, Rohit, Vivek Govardhanam and Aakanksha Khanna. Saurabh Aggarwal and Kausar Hyder Rizvi emceed the night providing entertainment between student performances.

Diwali Dhamaka provided delicious three-course meal provided by Doaba Sweets and Restaurant, and open dance floor with lively music provided by DJ NRKE (Hamesh Nana). Creating an overall night of complete entertainment.

According to Dr.Deep Saini, Vice President and Principal of University of Toronto Mississauga, Diwali Dhamaka, hosted by Hindu Student Council is always a delightful event, and seeing the people of every colour, race and religion uniting together and celebrating this event brings about a new meaning to Diwali. Diwali marks a celebration on unity and diversity. Diwali dhamaka was no exception as it provided an opportunity to celebrate one people, one nation and one world.

By Saurabh Agarwal

Photos by Zorawar Walia

Audience members at the Sony Centre of Performing arts were taken on a mesmerizing journey, deeply rooted in what can be only described as the beauty of Indian culture. Thanks to a lively and engaging narrator, who served both as an educator and storyteller, Bharati’s ticket holders were musically guided through every sequence seamlessly on Thursday evening. As the audience became lured with the visually appealing costumes and props, the main characters performed their overall love story through many artfully choreographed dance sequences, accompanied by an array of highly skilled singers. It was not long before the musical spell was cast that the crowd applauded loudly and cheered affectionately after every musical routine.

For non-South Asian viewers, it was a show brimming with information on the meanings behind the dances, instruments and mythologies, allowing everyone to truly absorb the beauty displayed on stage. From the holy river of Ganges, to the legendary lovers Radha and Krishna, the seventy dancers and singers relived for the viewers the cultural spirit that India has revered and honoured over the years.

The overall production received a well-deserved applause, and audience members chose to honour their experience with more than a standing ovation—they presented a rarely seen dancing ovation. With Bharati ending its short stay in Toronto after only eleven performances, their time here at the Sony centre will not be forgotten as fans will take home a heartfelt memory of Bharati’s tale in describing the wonder that is India.

By Anna Katryan

The social networking sites have moved from the virtual world into reality! A group started by Smita Vithlani in January called the GTA Desi Group on the popular website –meetup.com has grown in leaps and bounds. What started as a small get together where likeminded South Asians would meet and interact amongst each other has now become more grand where other meet up groups collaborated and had a grand Diwali Meetup.

Smita Vithlani is a Charted Accounted in Mississauga and has been living in the GTA for over 11 years. She loves interacting with new people and making new friends hence the creation of the GTA Desi group was the next step to interact with a wider audience.

The Group has 300 members, all the performers who showcased their talent were associated with the group. Event Organizer Kavitha Nakka who owns her own home business, Kavitha’s Collection says, “Everywhere you go these days you see the same performers and same song and dance numbers, we took the initiative to showcase the talent amongst our group of friends and meetup family so that we can encourage them and give them a platform to perform.”

Smita adds, “ We just wanted to have a good time with people we know and have met before so this was a perfect step for us. We had a terrific response from the guests and help from other group organisers like Monica was tremendous help to pull off this event, and let’s not forget my own dedicated team.”

Businessman Sandeep Patangay, Child Specialist, Dr Deepa and TV Reporter & Producer Diksha Pal Narayan were the other team members who helped pull off this event.

So if you are new to the country or want to simply expand your circle of friends or hang out with activity oriented people GTA Desi is open to all! Happy Diwali to all from Team GTA Desi.

By Diksha Narayan

Diwali or Deepavali as I knew it growing up in a Tamil home is our festival of lights.  The significance of this day is religious for many, but I see it in more spiritual terms and have always drawn parallels to our customs and practices to the greater community.

As a child, Diwali meant that we would be getting, spending money and new clothing—usually traditional clothes—from my parents and elders, and that my mother would be cooking up a storm in the kitchen.  Since my father is the eldest in the family, and my mother the eldest in her family here in Canada it also meant that many of our large extended family would be coming over to our house.  It was a day where we as a large family spent the day together.

As an adult, I have learned to draw parallels of the symbolism of Diwali to the community and our roles as individuals in that community.  The lighting of the dhiya/villakku/ or lamp signifies so much of the goodness in the world, and these lamps also have the power to share their fire to light another lamp and can contribute to the lighting of a roomful of lamps starting with the first one.  This for me is the most important aspect of Diwali—the power of just one lamp, or one individual to be the catalyst that is able to bring change or goodness for a community.  When put together, these tiny lamps can be enough to light up an entire room—just like the people in the community standing together can achieve anything that they want to see in their neighbourhood.

This year, I will celebrate Diwali with many community organizations throughout the month of October.  But will also be spending time with my family over the weekend eating way too much food, and far too many calories in sweets—but to ensure that we reconnect and continue to strengthen our family unit.

The Festival of Lights is not only a wonderful occasion to celebrate with family and friends, it is also an opportunity to celebrate the rich and vibrant province we have built together.  Generations of immigrants have brought their skills and dreams to Ontario, and worked hard to create good lives for themselves and their families here.  That hard work has paid off – together, we’ve built strong schools, hospitals and a great quality of life.  And, to do that, we’ve always needed all of us to be at our best.

In an increasingly globalised economy, Ontarians know we must continue to move forward, together.  We know that we need to sharpen our competitive edge so that we can continue to attract new, foreign investment and the world’s best workers.  In 2003, we started that process by investing in new and innovative technologies and partnering with rising world economies to keep the world’s eyes focused on Ontario.  And it’s working.  Billions of dollars of new investment have poured into Ontario and our investments in clean energy and new technologies helped create thousands of good, Ontario jobs.

All that investment helps create a stronger, more vibrant Ontario.  And to keep that investment coming, it’s particularly important to ensure that we have a strong workforce.  That’s why we’re investing in training for new Ontarians. Since 2003, our training programs have helped more than 50,000 skilled newcomers to do just that.  That’s a strong record of success that we will build on and strengthen. We are investing more than $64 million this year alone in language training for 120,000 newcomers, as well as supporting Ontario’s settlement agencies to help newcomers settle and get into the workforce.

We were also the first government in the world to create the Office of the Fairness Commissioner whose job it is to make sure that the regulators who oversee access to professions in Ontario are fair, objective, transparent and impartial.  This legislation has been copied in other places around the world because it helps ensure that newcomers have access to the jobs they were trained for.

In uncertain economic times, we need our newcomers working in jobs that match their skills.  In fact, the Conference Board of Canada estimates that when immigrants are not able to work in the professions they’ve trained for, it costs the Canadian economy between $4 billion and $5 billion a year.  So Ontario’s Liberal government will continue to work closely with all our partners to ensure that newcomers are offered the right tools and supports.

As you light up this Diwali to honour the universal qualities of appreciation, compassion and forgiveness, I hope you’ll also celebrate Ontario’s shared vision of a bright future that will continue to help us move forward together.

Honourable Dalton McGuinty is the Premier of Ontario.

I have the privilege to represent a riding that has one of the most diverse populations in Canada.  One weekend I’m celebrating with the Chinese community, the next with the Filipino community, then Italian, Vietnamese, Korean – we truly are a multicultural nation!

Later this month, I’ll be joining the South Asian communities in my riding, and across the country, as we celebrate Diwali.

Diwali is a very special festival that I have come to greatly appreciate and admire.  The history behind this commemoration is deep and meaningful.

From the Hindu perspective, I have learned that it symbolizes the battle of good versus evil, marking the return of Lord Rama from a 14-year exile and the defeat of Ravana, the demon-king.   In the joy of his return, the people of Ayodhya lit lamps and firecrackers in celebration.

For Sikhs, Diwali celebrates the release of the sixth guru-prophet, Guru Hargobind and 52 Hindu princes from the Gwalior Fort in 1619 by the Mughal rulers of the day.  Sikhs celebrated his return by lighting the Golden Temple and this wonderful tradition continues today.

For the Jain community, Diwali is important because Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana or Moksha on this day.  Mahavira is responsible for establishing the faith followed by Jains today. According to tradition, the chief disciple of Mahavira, Ganadhara Gautam Swami also attained complete knowledge on this day, making Diwali a very special Jain festival.

Even some Buddhists celebrate Diwali, as it was on Diwali that Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism.  Even today, we will see temples and monasteries decorated in his honour.

Regardless of faith, tradition or geographical region, the one underlying theme in all the cultural festivities is the celebration of hope and inner strength. It reminds us that despite trying circumstances, there is always a silver lining and a “happy ending” awaiting us.  In essence, Diwali honours the “light” within each of us.

As the NDP’s critic for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I am honoured to join Canadians all across our country in celebrating Diwali.

On behalf of my Leader and our entire Official Opposition Caucus, I extend best wishes, and much happiness, to all for a wonderful Diwali.

I also want to express our deep gratitude for the generous sharing of culture and history that enriches us all.

Diwali aur naya saal mubarak!

Don Davies is the Official Opposition Critic for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. He is also the Chair of Federal New Democrat British Columbia Caucus. He represents the riding of Vancouver Kingsway at the House of Commons.

Dr. Jaya Chanchlani, Medical Chair with Nimmi Papneja, Community Chair of Trillium Diwali

Anil Shah, Board Director

Trillium Diwali 201 1 is the largest celebration of its kind in Canada. It has been raising funds for the last

Ruby Brown, CEO of Trillium

decade. So far $4.4 million has been raised. This year’s target was to raise $600,000 to support the major revitalization of the Endoscopy Suites at Trillium Health Centre, as well as the purchase of life-saving endoscopy equipment that will positively impact patients, said Dr. Jaya Chanchlani, Medical Chair of Trillium Diwali.

Nimmi Papneja, Community Chair of Trillium Diwali said that the significance of Trillium Diwlai is such that it brings the community together..into the spirit of giving. Trillium Diwali raises awareness about the Indian culture and the Indian community becomes aware of the needs of the hospital.

Noting the major challenge in endeavours such as Trillium Diwali, Mr. Anil Shah, the Board Director, stated that there is “donor fatigue.” He said that there are so many events like Trillium Diwali happening “and if you think about it every Indian is being approached for a dollar here and there.”

To engage the donors, he said “we have to come with innovative ideas, innovative reciprocation what we can give back.”

He said that in a few years time, it is very likely that Diwali will become a mainstream event like Christmas.

He also indicated that in order to engage younger South Asians, Trillium Diwali is working on a mentorship program and Junior Board of Directors.

How soon will that happen?

“It’s a work in progress…maybe in another

Two years back, a few months into my marriage, my husband and I celebrated our first Diwali as a couple. As we lit the diyas or earthen lamps in our Hyderabad apartment, little did I know that would be my last Diwali in India. Shortly after the festival, my husband landed a new job and the two of us in California, USA.

Growing up in Delhi, India’s capital meant that my Diwali began days before its actual date.  Crackers of all shapes, sizes, luminosities and decibels flooded the markets, along with idols of Ganesha, the god of good fortune and Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. What tempted me more were the variety of sweetmeats on display—pethhas, laddus, batashas galore. This was one occasion on which parents didn’t mind giving in to their kids’ demands and pampered them with crackers, sweets and new clothes. And the results were heard on the streets. Literally. Crackers boomed from playgrounds, alleyways, and even from some main thoroughfares at times.

The day of Diwali, however, took the celebrations to unprecedented heights. As the evening sky darkened without a trace of the moon (Diwali being celebrated on a moonless night), the earth lit up with a thousand lights, shining off houses decked with diyas, candles and electric lights.

As a child it was my delight to assist my mother in lighting the candles that were stuck on our boundary walls. Then, we would take our booty of crackers and join neighbourhood friends to burst them.

From the glittering sparkles of the phuljhari to the fountain-like fire show of the anaar to the circling whizz of the charkhari and the straight or crooked flights of the rocket—the crackers held us spellbound for the time we burnt them. This was, of course, followed by delicious food—gujiyas and jalebis, laddus and kaju barfis.

For me, this festival marked a two-way celebration. As Bengalis, our family observed Kali puja or the worship of goddess Kali on this day. The celebratory aspect remained the same as the North Indian Diwali—lighting of lamps, preparing sweets and other treats, bursting crackers and singing songs.

So last year, when I reached the shores of North America from North India, I had reasons to be concerned. Festivals, just like language and cuisine, are what lend distinctiveness to cultures. Now, in a country and culture so different than my own, I wondered if I would feel that burst of joy pulsating through me when a festival like Holi or Diwali came nearer. To know the answer I would have to wait for a few months.

I wasn’t disappointed. California’s Bay Area (where we were), being a hub if IT professionals, was home to a large South Asian community. All major festivals—from Holi to Durga Puja and Diwali to Eid—were celebrated with sincere devotion and typical enthusiasm. Close to our home, there were at least three Hindu temples and four to five gurdwaras.

Like in India, my first North American Diwali too started days ahead of the actual festival. We received invitations to potluck dinners from several friends. Though new for me, this seemed a good way to celebrate an occasion—meeting friends and their families, relishing and cooking home-made food, playing silly games and singing songs late into the night. Sometimes, friends with dancing talent added extra spark to these get-togethers. Children too rejoiced with the adults and didn’t shy away from displaying their singing, acting, dancing or even storytelling talents.

On the day of Diwali, we visited a Hindu temple to join the festivities. It was here that the community facet of the festival shone in its full glory. Throngs of devotees gathered at the temple, which was beautifully decorated. Rangolis, designs made of colored, powdered rice flour dotted the temple floors, while diyas and candles were lit all around the temple.

Children fluttered about in traditional outfits like ghagra-choli and kurta pyjama and were matched by the grown-ups in dazzling saris, salwar kurtas and sherwanis.

The temple priest carried out the puja or worship ceremony with noticeable devotion. Outside the main temple halls, a mela or fair of sorts had sprung up—with several stalls displaying jewelry, mehendi or heena, traditional arts and crafts, games and a whole variety of foods.

As I look back at last year’s Diwali, I remember missing the joy of burning crackers. But I didn’t miss any of the fun or festive spirit associated with Diwali. This year, having moved yet again, this time to Greater Toronto Area (GTA), I await the brilliance of the festival of lights with eager anticipation.

By Bhaswati Ghosh

Mississauga

The “Stars of Bollywood” a Shiamak Davar Production associated with Imagine Dil Se and Media Works promised their enthusiastic audience an exciting evening filled with lights, camera and a touch of iconic Bollywood personalities.

With a director such as Shiamak Davar, notable for his recent choreography during the IIFA Awards, it was not surprising that the show kept its audience entertained in their seats from the first curtain to the final applause.

Viewers were awed with the level of professionalism, poise and artfulness displayed on stage by all the dancers throughout every sequence. Much like the glamour of Bollywood, the dancing was illuminated with the variety of extravagant props, and colourful costumes that only enhanced the theme of the night.

The audience got to experience their favourite Bollywood star through a variety of hit song sequences. From Rani Mukherji, Sharukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Amitabh Bachchan, to Salman Khan viewers were able to relive the excitement of their heros and heroines on screen for an evening. With the performers departing their stage for moments of dancing along the isles, the happy viewers were able to take home not only an interactive and highly entertaining show but one well worth the memory!

By Anna Katryan

Droves of people headed toward Ontario Soccer Centre on Saturday evening to celebrate Navratri. ‘Navratri’ means ‘nine nights’. There are many legends attached to the conception of Navratri like all Indian festivals. All of them are related to Goddess Shakti (Hindu Mother Goddess) and her various forms.

Navratri holds special significance for Gujratis and Bengalis and one can see it in the zeal and fervor of the people with which they indulge in the festive activities of the season.

Dandiya and Garba Rass are the highlights of the festival. And no wonder mean and women alike carried dandyas as they walked into brightly lit soccer field.

Swar Sadhana Music Lovers Club put together this very colourful festival in Vaughan.