Canadians asked to celebrate online
Online events could help organizations extend their reach, expert says
Celebrants of Diwali were forced to find new ways to mark the holiday this weekend as the heeded warnings from politicians and community leaders to keep gatherings to a minimum.
The typical festivals and gatherings were replaced by virtual options for those celebrating the five-day South Asian holiday, which marks the victory of light over darkness.
“With COVID, we are definitely being careful and we have been taking precautions. We are urging everyone in the community to maintain social distancing,” said Ajaay Modi, the founder and director of the Indo-Canada Arts Council and Canada-Diwali.
Modi said the virtual aspect of the celebrations has enabled his organization to extend its reach this year.
He said he expects Diwali events, such as the fireworks over Niagara Falls, to reach up to two million people — far more than if the events were only held in-person.
“It’s been a blessing in disguise,” he said.
“We’re celebrating Diwali without any boundaries across the globe.”
Festival organizers in B.C. have staged virtual events ranging from online storytime and prayers to dance performances.
Politicians and health officials have spent the past few days urging Canadians to celebrate holidays, like Diwali, virtually this year in a bid to curb the rise in COVID-19 cases.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a video statement posted to social media Saturday that he understands celebrations will look different this year.
“At the heart of this festival is the idea that light, good and knowledge will always triumph over darkness, evil and ignorance. And as we continue to deal with the impacts of the pandemic, this message couldn’t be more important,” he said.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh urged those celebrating Diwali and the Sikh celebration of Bandi Chhor Divas to do so while respecting health guidelines.
He said doing so will help allow future celebrations to take place in-person.
In Ontario, Peel region saw a spike in COVID-19 cases after Thanksgiving and is starting to see a jump it attributes to Halloween celebrations, officials said Friday, raising concerns about the consequences if people gather for Diwali.
More than half of Brampton is South Asian, according to Statistics Canada.
So is 40 per cent of the population in neighbouring Mississauga.