Diwali Festivity for 2024 Cancelled by Canada Over Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain Communities Protesting

Already strained ties between India and Canada are trickling down to the latter's Indian diaspora. In one such shocking move, an opposition leader in Canada known as Pierre Poilievre of the Conservative Party has put an end to the festival of Diwali scheduled to be held this 2024. The Canada Hindu Forum, on the other hand, condemned this decision as a blow to the culturally diversified communities of Canada. They termed Diwali as a symbol of light and unity in which cancellation feels like a form of disregard for a vast section of the community.

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Canada Hindu Forum Criticizes Decision as Political Move

According to the Canada Hindu Forum, this cancellation is an act of political appeasement. They noted that the U.S. President Joe Biden and astronaut Sunita Williams have shown respect for the festival, yet the Conservative Party leader of Canada ignores the sentiments of these communities. According to the Forum, this decision has more interest from the political class than the cultural and religious values of Diwali.

South Asian communities in Canada: The estimated population is around 2.5 million. This includes Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain communities. It has been doing pretty well in the sciences, education sectors, health industries, as well as in the business industry. According to the Forum, if their traditional life and customs are not observed, then the importance that these communities can contribute towards the development of Canada as well as its diversified culture will not be put into complete perspective.

Canada Hindu Forum Counsels Communities to Select Respective Culturally Appre

Given the imminent election period, the Canada Hindu Forum encouraged these communities to vote for leaders who fully acknowledge the sanctity of different cultures and traditions. In the wake of election campaigns, this forum advised voters on what the right and prudent step could be-their decision is likely to define who represents and leads this respective group as a people towards winning rights in this plural society.

The Forum appeal for dignified recognition of Diwali underlines the importance of inclusion in the Canadian multicultural landscape, thus further consolidating that cultural celebrations must remain above political motives.