Diwali was celebrated this year in New Westminster with style! In partnership with Sarad Reynard, Parks, Culture and Recreation, Queensborough Community Centre, and in collaboration with Sikh Temple Sukh Sagar and the Vancouver Small Neighbourhood Foundation, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. ISIP’s Baljit Rana, Settlement Practitioner ensured that newcomers who celebrated Diwali had a beautiful experience. Canadian communities enjoy celebrating the traditionally Indian festival of Diwali regardless of their cultural background. It is a joyful festival of light and participants in New Westminster enthusiastically enjoyed delicious food, played exciting games, delighted in the entertainment and made new friends.
Renee Chadwick Facility Manager, QCC and Ling Chu, Regional Manager, Burnaby/New Westminster S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Immigrant Settlement & Integration Program welcomed everyone for their presence on this occasion.
In this event, Rangoli (traditional artwork made from coloured sand or rice) was made by S.U.C.C.E.S.S. client, Trupti Sarfare and was displayed at the front entrance. Food was prepared in the Sikh temple and served by our volunteers from S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and the community centre. There were stalls of Diya paintings, art work by children, Henna tattoo stall and games for children. The event also had stalls displayed from New Westminster police, S.U.C.C.E.S.S., and Parks, Culture and Recreation for their services for clients. School children participated in painting competitions, and children from Sukh Sagar Gurdwara performed a recitation of a welcome prayer. Another volunteer spoke about the cultural, social and historical background of Diwali. The Surrey Art Club and Asian Arts Bhangra Club New Westminster groups performed three Bhangra performances. Many door prizes were given to children and candies and chocolates were distributed to them as well.
Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers!