Saturday, November 1, 2008
Indo-Canadians celebrate Diwali across the country
Prime Minister Stephen Harper's October 24 message, came on the heels of his successful outreach to Indo-Canadians fetching him larger-than-ever voter support in the Oct. 14 general elections. There was the annual Diwali party on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Oct.30, organized by long time Conservative MP Deepak Obhrai of Calgary, Alberta.
But festivities began long before. On Oct.5, a 'Diwali Mela' was held at the Pearson Convention Center in north Toronto. On Oct. 24, the 'Diwali Dhamaka 2008' took place at the same location organized by the group Dilwale Dilliwale.
To read the full article, click here..
To read the epaper, visit: http://www.newsindia-times.com
Labels: celebrate, diwali, Gerard India bazaar, Indian descent, Indo Canadians, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, voter support
Monday, November 5, 2007
Lakshmi welcomed with lights, diyas and action
Diwali is celebrated in Gujarat with great gusto and aplomb. As Gujarat develops into one of India's fastest growing business and trading hubs, Diwali has, in recent times, seen phenomenal commercial activity during the period. Lakshmi puja, again central to Diwali celebrations, usually takes place 18 days after the end of Navratri (Dusshera), and lasts for five days. The first day of this five-day celebration begins with Dhanteras (Dhanatrayodashi), followed by Narakachaturdashi, which is also known as Kalichoudas. The third day is chopda pujan while Gujarat's New Year (Gudi Padava) normally occurs (depending on the Hindu calendar) on the fourth day and Bhathru Dwithiya on the last day. There is a belief that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes that are well lit.
Therefore, all Gujarati families decorate their houses with light, flowers, festoons, candles and diyas. They create rangolis and also draw small footprints with rice flour and vermilion powder inside their homes. Shopping is a huge affair with the whole family dividing up tasks.
Hence, the markets in Gujarat liven up a month before Diwali - from jewelry, clothes, sweets and gift items to firecrackers. However, the markets of Gujarat down their shutters on Dhanteras, two days before Diwali until Labh Pancham. For traders and businessmen, this is vacation time.
To read the complete article click here: http://www.newsindia-times.comimage and article source:www.newsindiatimes.com
Labels: celebrations, diwali, festivals, indian temples, laxmi puja
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