This weekend features Dauphin's second annual celebration of Diwali.
Mihir Patel, the event organizer, notes that this festival's history celebrates a Hindu legend that symbolizes good conquering evil, light prevailing over darkness, and knowledge defeating ignorance.
"Diwali is also known as 'Festival of Lights'. It holds significant importance culturally, spiritually, and socially between people who are initially from India, specifically Hindu Communities."
The origins of Diwali can be traced back to ancient Hindu mythology.
According to the legend, Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, returned to his kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana.
Since it was a moonless day in the Hindu month of Kartik, on the night they came back, the people of Ayodhya welcomed Lord Rama by lighting oil lamps and decorating their houses with colourful patterns.
The modern celebrations include sharing food and fellowship with friends and neighbors while lighting up the night with oil lamps, candles, and fireworks.
"It will go on from 7:30 to almost midnight, but the fireworks specifically will go on at 9:30. So, people can come in person, or they can look for the fireworks that are going to happen."
Tickets for this event may be sold out, but Patel says anyone looking to experience Diwali is very much welcome to attend the Ukrainian Orthodox Hall at 7:30 to get involved!
