Local Hindus set to celebrate Diwali

a-DIWALI-LIGHTS-640x468The Hindu festival of lights returns to Prince Albert in style this Saturday.

Organized by Dr. Lalita Malhotra with a partner with in Saskatoon, this weekend’s Diwali celebration promises an evening of festive merriment for all.

“We are having a music group coming from Edmonton and they’re going to be performing and there’ll be food for people to have,” Malhotra said. “It’s going to be fun.”

The Diwali celebration takes place at the Quality Inn and starts at 6 p.m. Besides live entertainment and dancing, those in attendance will be able to enjoy a wide range of Indian food such as samosas, pakoras and some sweets.

Celebrated every autumn, Diwali is one of the most important annual holidays for Hindus around the world, representing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

Prince Albert has held Dawali celebrations before, but its resurrection by different organizers after a few years’ hiatus follows a large increase in the local Hindu population.

While there was not previously a large Hindu community in P.A., Malhotra noted, “there is now.”

“It’s amazing,” she said. “There wasn’t any before. That’s why we didn’t do that (Diwali celebration). But now there is.”

She attributed the change to a wave of immigration that has seen increased numbers of Hindu students and workers moving to the city.

“The community has become so large, so we thought it would be better to get everyone together,” Malhotra said. “It’s a celebration, because people may celebrate on their own at home, but this’ll be a good opportunity for us to celebrate together.”

Organizers are hoping for a turnout of approximately 250 people at this weekend’s event.

Tickets for the Diwali celebration cost $15, or $35 for seats in the front rows, and are available by contacting Malhotra’s office at 306-763-7039 or the owner of Family Taxi at 306-980-9897.

Source: Prince Albert Daily Herald