The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau partook in a virtual version of the yearly Diwali celebrations and lighted up a ceremonial lamp from his office in Parliament Hill.
While announcing that he joined Diwali’s virtual celebration, Trudeau tweeted: “Diwali reminds us that truth, light, and goodness will always prevail. To celebrate that hopeful message and mark this important festival, I joined a virtual celebration earlier this evening. Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating!”
Many eminent Canadian politicians like the Leader of the Official Opposition in the House of Commons, Conservative Erin O’Toole joined the celebration. who also set alight a Diya.
This marks the 20th year of the annual event that first happened in 1998. It was started by late MP Deepak Obhrai, who led Diwali to Parliament Hill.
This year’s commemoration was hosted by Anita Anand, Canada’s Minister of Public Services and Procurement, the first Hindu cabinet member in the history of Canada, as well as MPs Raj Saini from Kitchener, Ontario and Gary Anandasangaree from Scarborough, Toronto. It was organized by British Columbia MP Todd Doherty in conjunction with Deepak Obhrai Foundation and the Canada-India Foundation.
While thanking Trudeau for being “gracious” in joining the virtual celebration, India’s High Commissioner to Ottawa Ajay Bisaria tweeted: “Diwali is now so much a Canadian festival!”
