Diwali Fest 2014 takes place October 17 to 26 at various venues throughout Vancouver and Surrey, celebrating this year’s theme of “unity in diversity.”
The word Diwali means “row of lighted lamps,” with light symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, prosperity over poverty and knowledge over ignorance. It’s a time for lighting diyas, laying out colorful rangolis, setting off fireworks, exchanging gifts of sweets and celebrating with dance, music and storytelling.
Diwali Fest will be sure to showcase the best and brightest South Asian talent, exhibit artistic innovation through a myriad of forms, and engage our wide community in as active and inclusive a role as possible.
For the most updated information, be sure to check out diwalifest.ca.
Diwali Fest 2014 Events
Bollywood Movie Matinee
Date: Saturday, October 5
Time: 2:00 to 4:45 p.m.
Venue: Yaletown Roundhouse Community Centre
Tickets: $7 – Buy Now
Bollywood Movie Matinee takes over Diwali Fest this year with their first ever movie screening, Love Aaj Kal. This family event is a taste of one of the biggest movie industries in the world. Experience the world of Bollywood, filled with color, singing and dancing. This afternoon matinee is family friendly. All ages welcome!
Love Aaj Kal synopsis: An old-fashioned romantic tells his personal love story to a modern man who has just broken up with his girlfriend. Has love really ever changed?
Cooking Classes
Date: Saturday, October 5 & Saturday, October 11
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Venue: Yaletown Roundhouse Community Centre
Tickets: $27 – Buy Now (Oct 5) or Buy Now (Oct 11)
Get into the Diwali spirit through some exciting and tasty cooking classes. Learn how to make authentic South Asian cuisine just in time for Diwali.
Ayurveda – The Science of Life with Jeffrey Armstrong
Date: Saturday, October 11
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Venue: Yaletown Roundhouse Community Centre
Tickets: $30 – Buy Now
Ayurveda is more than just medicine. It is an ancient form of living integral to the ancient Indians. Learn how to integrate this ancient wisdom into modern living and lifestyle and learn the basics on how to improve your health, finances, and relationships while learning the history of Diwali. This workshop will be led by award-winning author, philosopher, and practitioner, Jeffrey Armstrong.
IndiGlam (Opening Gala)
Date: Friday, October 17
Time: 6 to 11:30 p.m.
Venue: Crown Palace Banquet Hall
Tickets: $45 – Buy Now
To celebrate the official launch of Diwali Fest, IndiGlam, the opening gala, will feature a number of South Asian delights including dinner, dance performances by the internationally renowned Shiamak Dance Group, live music, and a fashion show followed by a late night dance party.
Diwali Downtown Surrey
Date: Saturday, October 18
Time: 3 to 7 p.m.
Venue: Surrey City Hall
Tickets: FREE
Surrey City Hall will host the first year for Diwali Downtown Surrey. Similar to Diwali Downtown Vancouver, this is a FREE event that brings together the best of contemporary and classical Indian culture for the entire family. This year’s event will include over fifteen different music and dance performances as well as an Indian bazaar featuring South Asian crafts and food.
Chai House
Date: Thursday, October 23
Time: 7 to 11 p.m.
Venue: Orpheum Annex
Tickets: $15 – Buy Now
This ticketed event is an intimate cabaret performance highlighting a number of talented performers in music and dance. Chai House is for true lovers of Indian performance.
Diwali Downtown Vancouver
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 2 to 8 p.m.
Venue: Yaletown Roundhouse Community Centre
Tickets: FREE
Diwali Downtown Vancouver is a FREE event that brings together the best of contemporary and classical Indian culture for the entire family. This year’s event will be at Roundhouse Community Centre and include over fifteen different music and dance performances, an Indian bazaar featuring South Asian crafts and food, and a room-sized rangoli.
Vancity Buzz is a proud media sponsor of Diwali Fest
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