Diwali

A young man is smiling, raising both of his hands up in the air. He seems to be lifted up by the crowd around him, who are also dancing. The setting is a banquet hall, and a TV in the background has a bright gold sign displayed on it, though the words are illegible.
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Indian Student Federation’s Diwali brings students and families together

Ashima Shukla November 11, 2025

On October 10, SFU’s Indian Student Federation (ISF) hosted a Diwali celebration at Crown Palace Banquet Hall in Surrey. The event, held in collaboration with the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS), featured live dance performances, Indian cuisine, and a dance floor for guests to enjoy. The celebration was open to all, with the ISF inviting guests to come dressed in their best traditional attire. Diwali, often referred to as “the festival of lights,” is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and across the global Indian diaspora. Although interpretations and customs vary regionally, it typically represents the triumph…

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A pile of boxes containing different Diwali-related objects such as flowers, and colored animals.
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The commercialisation and politicisation of Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas, and other South Asian festivals

Mason Mattu December 9, 2024

If you were wondering why there were so many fireworks on October 31 and November 1, it’s because South Asians celebrated Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas on those days respectively. Diwali is the celebration of “light over darkness, of good…

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A man (left) and a woman (right) stand on each side of an ofrenda decorated with marigolds, papel picado, talavera skulls, various types of food, and framed photos of people. In the man and woman’s hands are marigolds.
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Marigolds for Día de los Muertos and beyond

Maria Fernanda Osorio Arredondo October 28, 2024

Grief is a universal language expressed differently by everyone. Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), despite being known for its colours and joy, acknowledges the heartbreak of losing someone. Honouring the memories of a deceased loved one has…

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Illustration of people celebrating Diwali by eating small, deep-fried cube snacks
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Nutritious nibbles, Diwali edition: spicy tomato cheese squares

Dhrumi Mayur Shah October 24, 2024

As a child, I remember watching from the living room as my mother prepared delicious, crispy, deep-fried spicy tomato cheese squares — reminiscent of a thicker version of a chip. She learned this recipe from one of her friends who…

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A photo of many diyas (candle holders) lit, a sea of flames for Diwali festivities.
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Diwali is not just the Festival of Lights

Gurneet Lohcham January 30, 2024

While many know Diwali as the Festival of Lights, there is so much more to it than just that. In Hindu and Sikh culture, Diwali celebrates the winning of good over evil. Being a Sikh, I celebrate Diwali based on…

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Diwali should be given more attention

Tamanna T. November 21, 2021

The end of October and the beginning of November mark the start of numerous celebrations all across the globe, most of which are religious. For example, the first week of November sees the start of Diwali, one of the most…

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Honour: Confessions of a Mumbai Courtesan is an eye-opening story of resilience

Ashley Lee October 29, 2017

While Honour is a fictional play, the story is all too real for sex workers and their families in Mumbai. The play, presented as part of Diwali in BC, is a five-year project founded by Rohit Chokhani that aims to…

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SFU students mark Indian festival Diwali

Agnetha de Sa October 18, 2017

The SFU community experienced a taste of the festival of lights at the annual, student-hosted celebration of Diwali which took place on campus in the Maggie Benston Centre (MBC) this past October 14. An occasion celebrated by millions of people…

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World News Beat

Gabrielle McLaren October 17, 2017

ISRAEL – Israel follows USA in withdrawing from UNESCO Israel has withdrawn from the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) after the American government announced it would also forgo its membership with the heritage organization. The countries both…

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