Canada Takes Revenge on Hindus! Ban on Diwali Celebration—Know the Full Story

Amid growing tensions with India, Canada’s opposition Conservative Party has forbidden hosting the oldest Diwali celebration in Parliament. The party has canceled the event, leading to an outburst of anger among the Indo-Canadian community.

Liberal Party to Host Diwali Celebration Following Conservative Withdrawal

The celebration will now be organized by a Liberal Party MP. The Diwali event on Parliament Hill was initiated in 1998 by the late Conservative MP Deepak Obhrai. Following his passing in 2019, Conservative MPs continued to host the event. 

However, this time, the Conservatives are stepping back from organizing the celebration. The reason for the sudden cancellation of the program has not been disclosed.

Liberal MP Chandra Arya to Host Diwali Celebration in Collaboration with Obhrai Foundation

Liberal MP Chandra Arya will host the Diwali celebration in partnership with the Obhrai Foundation, based in Calgary. In a press release on Tuesday, the foundation’s chair, Priti Obhrai-Martin, stated, “The Diwali celebration on Parliament Hill is in its 24th year, and our father, Deepak Obhrai, always viewed this event as a non-partisan occasion. It had the ability to celebrate culture above party politics.” 

She further expressed that “Chandra Arya has always been a supporter of this event, so it is an honor for our family that he is hosting the celebration on Parliament Hill this year.”

Community Voices Discontent Over Conservative Party’s Decision

Members of the community have expressed anger over the Conservative Party’s decision, linking it to the current crisis in relations between India and Canada. 

Shiv Bhaskar, chair of the Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFI), voiced disappointment regarding this decision, stating that the failures of politicians in this significant cultural event send a clear message to Indian-Canadians: “We are not seen as fellow Canadians but rather as outsiders, especially in this delicate time.”

Call for Apology from Party as Political Leaders Withdraw from Event

Demanding an apology from the party, he stated that the sudden withdrawal of political leaders from the event due to the current diplomatic situation between Canada and India has hurt the Hindu community.