Step into a world of vibrant colours and joy as people celebrate Diwali in Canada in 2024! Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is one of the most significant Hindu festivals. As Canadians embrace Diwali celebrations, we show our commitment to the multiculturalism that makes our country unique. Discover Diwali dates and events taking place across Canada in 2024!
Across Canada, Diwali illuminates communities with dazzling lights to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. It is a time when families gather to exchange gifts, share delicious feasts, and light traditional diyas.
The festival brings joy to the Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities and serves as a bridge to connect people from different cultures. Canadians from all walks of life join in the festivities, events, and the beauty of Indian culture. As Diwali spreads warmth and radiance across Canada, we celebrate diversity and the power of unity.
When is Diwali 2024?
In 2024, people will celebrate the five days of Diwali from Tuesday, October 29th to Sunday, November 3rd, 2024. The main Festival of Light celebration is on November 1st.
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This annual celebration usually falls between October and November. The Hindu lunisolar calendar determines the exact date of Diwali 2024 by the movement of the moon and the sun. The festival occurs in the middle of Karkita, the 8th month in the Hindu calendar. Some versions of the calendar also put Karkita as the 7th month.
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What are the Five Days of Diwali and Dates in 2024
The five days of Diwali 2024 are a time to reflect on the significance of the festival and its spiritual meaning.
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Day One: Tuesday, October 29, 2024
This day marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations and is dedicated to the worship of wealth and prosperity. A common ritual for people is to clean their homes and purchase new utensils, and gold, or silver items as a symbol to invite wealth.
Day Two, Thursday, October 31, 2024
This day commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the importance of inner light. A common ritual is to light small lamps (diyas) to dispel darkness and negativity.
Day Three: Friday, November 1, 2024
This is the main day of Diwali, which celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after his victory over the demon king Ravana. A common ritual is to decorate homes with light rows of diyas.
Day Four: Saturday, November 2, 2024
This day is associated with Lord Krishna lifting the Govardan Hill to protect villagers from torrential rains and flooding. Preparing vegetarian dishes and sweets to offer Lord Krishna is common.
Day Five: Sunday, November 3, 2024
The last of the 5 days of Diwali celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, symbolizing love, protection, and sibling relationships. Families come together for a special meal and joyous celebrations on this day.
Diwali Celebrations in Canada
Diwali in Canada is a cherished part of Canada’s cultural fabric. Across the nation, Diwali celebrations are marked by a sense of joy, unity, and community spirit. The festival captures the hearts of all who attend, regardless of their religious or cultural backgrounds.
Municipalities and community organizations embrace the festival and organize events and celebrations open to all Canadians. These celebrations show Canada’s commitment to diversity and culture. During Diwali, the streets and public spaces transform with vibrant decorations, dazzling light displays, and delectable sweets and snacks.
Diwali celebrations in Canada serve as a platform for cultural exchange and foster intercultural understanding. Canadians of all backgrounds join cultural performances and immerse themselves in the richness of Indian culture. And, in doing so they forge connections and strengthen the bonds of unity.
Celebrating Diwali in Canada in 2024
Although Diwali differs from celebrations in South Asia, the holiday spirit is the same! The first thing you will notice on Diwali is the lights. Families celebrating Diwali in Canada love decorating the outside of their homes with Diyas, oil lamps made of baked clay. Diyas are a common sight during Diwali, especially if you live in an area with a large South Asian population.
Because of Canada’s multicultural nature, Diwali is not just a South Asian celebration but a Canadian one too. Even though it is not a public statutory holiday, many Canadians from diverse cultural backgrounds celebrate this festival. Diwali shows us that Canadians embrace different cultural festivals. This is an amazing achievement, considering that only 7.1% of Canada’s population is of South Asian descent.
2024 Diwali Celebrations and Events Across Canada
Celebrating Diwali in Canada comes with many city-wide festivals. While you can find Diwali celebrations, some of the largest Diwali events are in these cities:
Brampton, Ontario | Diwali Festival of Lights
Presented by OLG, the Diwali Festival of Lights returns to Brampton on October 19 & 20, 2024 at Shoppers World Brampton (499 Main St S, Brampton). This is the Greater Toronto Area’s largest free indoor event. Returning for its 9th year, the event will feature musical performances, Bollywood dance workshops, mouth-watering food, and fun activities for kids.
Brampton | Diwali Mela
The City of Brampton will host the second annual Diwali Mela on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Sesquicentennial Park. This exciting festival will celebrate the rich culture and traditions of Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists. Live music and performances from local and international artists, free family-friendly games, events, and delicious food vendors will be present.
Fireworks often symbolize the beauty of Diwali. However, a by-law in Brampton prevents residents from using fireworks. You can also receive a fine if you set off fireworks. But, you can still enjoy a dazzling city-run Diwali fireworks display!
Calgary, Alberta | Diwali Fest 2024
This year’s Diwali Fest on Saturday, November 23, 2024, promises a grand celebration of lights, love, and culture! Taking place at the Genesis Centre in Calgary, you can get more details and tickets from the Indians in Calgary group.
Halifax, Nova Scotia | Diwali Carnival
The Diwali Fest celebration takes place on November 2, 2024. Halifax is a multicultural city with a large South Asian population. It’s no surprise that Halifax hosts one of the biggest Diwali celebrations in the maritime provinces. Event highlights include an open dance with Bollywood music and fireworks.
Surrey, British Columbia | Diwali Downtown Surrey
Diwali Downtown Surrey 2024 at Surrey City Hall is the biggest Diwali celebration in British Columbia. The event on Sunday, October 20, 2024, offers fun activities for kids, music, live performances, and delicious food! It is impossible to have a Diwali celebration without traditional South Asian food. Diwali Fest will also host events in Coquitlam and Vancouver. British Columbia.
Ottawa, Ontario | Diwali on the Hill
In Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, Ontario the Diwali on the Hill celebration occurs on Parliament Hill on Wednesday, October 30. Organized by the Canada India Foundation, this event brings together members of Parliament, government officials, and the community to celebrate the Festival of Lights. The event features traditional Indian music, dance, cuisine, and lighting of the Diwali Lamp.
Diwali is a great holiday because it differs from other Canadian holidays. It gives Canadians a new perspective and a chance to experience new cultural traditions. It is great to see people from all backgrounds gather to celebrate Diwali in Canada.
The five days of Diwali 2024 are a great way for all Canadians to recognize how the Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities contribute to our diverse and inclusive country. To those celebrating Diwali in Canada, we wish you a safe, healthy, and joyous Diwali!
My name is Zain Usmani and I am a freelance content writer who currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario. I immigrated from Pakistan to Canada 5 years ago and have lived in many cities ever since. I have lived in Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Regina SK, London ON, and Mississauga ON, while visiting over 40 Canadian cities and towns. I have a great passion for writing and I love helping people through it.
