Diwali (aka Festival of Lights) falls on Wednesday October 26, 2011, this year. Vancouver is ready to celebrate the win of good over evil by lighting divas (small clay lamps) across the city. Fireworks will be in full blast throughout over Hindu and Sikh lawns across Metro Vancouver. Expect delicious food and sweets, cultural dance, and tons of events throughout the city.
Vancouver
Diwali Workshops
Spread throughout the city are interactive Diwali workshops, a vital part of educating and having fun with the Diwali festival. Learn about bhangra, Bollywood dance, diya painting, mehndi, and more. Workshops will be taking place at Sunset Community Centre, Renfrew Community Centre, Carnegie Community Centre, False Creek Community Centre, West End Community Centre and South Vancouver Neighborhood House.
Dance All Sorts Diwali Style
Sunday, October 16, 2:00pm
Roundhouse in Yaletown (Performance Centre)
Tickets available at door
Join Toronto-based contemporary kathak dancer and vocal artist Bageshree Vaze for this New Works dance series.
Diwali Bright Lights
Tuesday, October 18, 4:30pm-6:30pm
Heritage Hall (Main & 15th Ave)
Free Event
Featuring a diverse array of performers including bharata natyam dancers Esha Singh, classical Indian musician Akhil Jobanputra, a Bollywood dance demo from local dance phenomena Shiamak Bollywood Vancouver, and much more.
Chai House on Main Street
Tuesday, October 18, 7:30pm-10:30pm
Heritage Hall (Main & 15th Ave)
Tickets $10 at door
This laid-back cabaret event sets the lights low and the energy high, as some of Vancouver’s and Canada’s most eclectic contemporary performers bring you the best in the city’s South Asian music and dance. The spectacular line-up includes bhangra glitch-hop musical group Banyen Roots, bharata natyam dancer Anusha Fernando, sketch comedy superstars Bollywood Shenanigans, kathak dancer and vocalist Bageshree Vaze, ghazal / tabla from local wonder Cassius Khan, and last, but certainly not least, the headliner for the evening will be Grammy award-winning Canadian phenomenon Chin Injeti.
Diwali Downtown
Sunday, October 23, 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Roundhouse in Yaletown
Admission by donation
The biggest event with dozens of performances taking place on multiple stages. Bring the entire family down to enjoy a full day of music, dance, crafts, interactive performances, rangolis, and of course, tons of great Indian food. Artists confirmed so far include classical bharata natyam dancers Malavika Santhosh and Sujit Vaidya, sitar / tabla combo Mohammed Assani & Sunny Matharu, bhangra glitch-hop musical group Banyen Roots, the amazing Senior Ladies Garba dance team, a carnatic musical experience led by Vidyasagar Vankayala, a dance fusion experience featuring kathak dancer Anita Sharma with Celtic dancer Fred Nguyen, vocals / harmonium combo Freedom & Leela, fresh-on-the-scene bhangra dance sensations Jawani Bhangra, and the headliner for the evening, a showcase dance performance from Shiamak Bollywood Vancouver.
Check out vandiwali.ca for all Diwali events in Vancouver.
Burnaby
Diwali 2011: The Festival of Lights
Thursday, November 6, 2011, 6:00pm
Bonsor Recreation Centre
Tickets: $10 (includes food; proceeds benefit CNIB)
Contact: [email protected] or 604.376.3783
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with food, fun and fundraising. The lineup proves to deliver an exciting evening for attendees in celebration of Diwali 2011. Did I mention Indian appies and dinner? For only $10, you’re essentially spoiled. At the same time, it’s for a great cause with proceeds going to the Canadian Institute for the Blind. More info
Abbotsford
Diwali 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011, 4:00pm-7:00pm
U House, Abbotsford Campus – Building F
SAPNA invites eveyone to join them in celebrating Diwali 2011-The festival of lights. Watch cultural performances by students, munch on delicious snacks and dance to the hot numbers! More info
Diwali
Saturday, October 22, 2011, 11:00am-3:00pm
Rick Hansen Secondary School
604.859.7814
Sari and turban wrapping demonstrations, a stunning fashion show, crafts, henna, lively entertainment and refreshments (while quantities last).
Maple Ridge
Diwali
Saturday, October 22, 2011, 11:00am-4:00pm
130-22470 Dewdney Trunk Road
Free Event
Come and learn about the stories and customs of this joyous day, enjoy classic dance performances, taste Indian food and much more. More info
Other Events:
Festivities will be held through every Hindu and Sikh temple in your neighbourhood to celebrate.
Title image by Gurk Bains
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