Candles, fireworks and oil lamps will light up celebrations across the Greater Toronto Area as the biggest holiday season of the year begins for the South Asian community.

Although the official celebrations begin on November 1, according to the Hindu calendar, a whole series of events are already taking place this weekend, at which thousands of people are expected.

This festival is known as the Hindu festival of light. And while fireworks restrictions are in place in parts of the Greater Toronto Area, those looking to watch fireworks in Toronto can head to Nathan Phillips Square. The two-day Festival of Lights there will feature performances from more than 800 artists, including a laser light show with a Bollywood techno DJ.

Vrajesh Shah, director and producer of the event, said attendees should expect even more fireworks this year than last.

“The meaning of Diwali is light over darkness and good over evil. That is why we illuminate,” he said.

Fireworks exploding over Toronto City Hall during the 2023 Diwali Festival of Lights. (Submitted by Vrajesh Shah)

Diwali celebrations filled with light, food and prayers are commemorated all over the world. The common origin story of this festival is the return of one of the Hindu gods, Rama, to Ayodhya, after defeating the demon Ravana.

Although communities in different parts of the world have their own interpretation of the origin of the holiday, they all share the theme of good overcoming evil.

Dhanteras, October 29, marks the start of Diwali and is considered a day to purchase gold, silver and other valuables, a symbol of prosperity.

More celebrations in the Greater Toronto Area

This weekend, celebrations will take place in Toronto at the Parkway Forest Community Centre, as well as a party on Gerrard Street hosted by the Gerrard India Bazaar BIA.

Mississauga residents can also start celebrating this weekend, with events including a gala hosted at the Oasis Convention Centre. The ticketed event, hosted by Toronto’s Sindhi Cultural Association, includes a full dinner and a lineup of live performances, with this year’s theme being “Bollywood and Bling.”

Surender Chugani, vice-president of the association, says its main aim is to attract more children and young people. He and other organizers hope the event will teach them more about their Sindhi culture and motivate them to pass it on.

Dancers performing at the Diwali 2023 gala hosted by the Sindhi Cultural Association of Toronto. (Toronto Sindhi Cultural Association)

“Some of the cultural exposure is not going to be as vibrant as it is in India itself. So we want to try to portray that on a small scale as much as possible,” he says.

Places like the Capitol Banquet Center in Mississauga, Pearl Banquet Hall and the Mississauga Valley Community Center will also host events this weekend.

In Brampton, the city has a big festival on November 1, with a variety of shows and food vendors, as well as a fireworks display.

Remember fireworks restrictions

Restrictions on fireworks are in place in Toronto and Brampton, with both municipalities recently reminding residents to keep the rules in mind when celebrating.

Brampton implemented a ban on personal fireworks in 2022 after the city received hundreds of complaints the previous year, many of whom had been hosted around Diwali. Sparklers are still allowed, and those hoping to see fireworks can head to the city’s celebrations at Sesquicentennial Park.

In Mississauga, residents can still set off fireworks on their properties until 11 p.m. on certain days of the year, including Diwali on November 1, a move made after the city launched its own investigation into the complaints relating to fireworks.

Torontonians who wish to light fireworks on their own property can also do so until 11 p.m. and must have a permit. the city says.

“My advice to people: Don’t set off fireworks in your home,” said Shah, one of the organizers of the City of Toronto Festival of Lights. “Come enjoy and celebrate the fireworks here at Nathan Phillips Square.”