Indo-Canadian liberal MP Chandra Arya hosted a diwali celebration on Parliamnet Hill which was attended by several prominent diaspora figures. The MP also raised a Hindu flag with the sacred symbol 'aum' on Parliament Hill on the occasion.
"I was pleased to host Diwali on parliament hill. We also used this opportunity to raise the flag of Hindu sacred symbol Aum on parliament hill. My sincere thanks to all those who attended, volunteers and artists of excellent cultural performances at the event," Arya wrote in a message posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Notably, the celebration coincided with the current Hindu Heritage Month in Canada, which is held each November to recognize the community's tremendous contributions. 67 Hindu and Indo-Canadian organizations sponsored the event, which drew attendees from all around the nation, including Ottawa, Montreal, and the Greater Toronto Area.
The celebrations take place despite the current diplomatic standoff between Canada and India following the death of Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia earlier this year. Arya has been an outspoken opponent of hate crimes against Hindus and has called for action in response to recent attacks on Indian installations and temples by supporters of Khalistan.
The MP, who was born in Karnataka, had proposed a private members motion in May of last year to declare November to be Hindu Heritage Month. On September 29, 2002, the House of Commons approved the proposal with a unanimous vote.
"Hindu Canadians are the most peaceful, highly educated and hardworking community and hence a successful community. We have significantly contributed and continue to do so for the socio-economic development of Canada. We have immensely enriched Canada’s multicultural fabric," Arya said, marking the second Hindu Heritage month in the country this year.
“Hindus have an ancient, magnificent and robust inheritance, which they have received from numerous sources: our wisdom traditions, our religious rites and rituals, our literature, the many arts and crafts, our elders, our fairs and festivals and above all from the many samskaras or sacraments in our home. That heritage not only gives us a drishti or world view, but it defines our purusharthas or aims of life and equally defines our sanskriti or culture. In short, the Hindu heritage defines our dharma,” he further added.
I was pleased to host Diwali on parliament hill.
— Chandra Arya (@AryaCanada) November 6, 2023
We also used this opportunity to raise the flag of Hindu sacred symbol Aum on parliament hill.
Great turnout with participants from Ottawa, Greater Toronto Area, Montreal and many other places.
The event was supported by 67 Hindu… pic.twitter.com/gb4zOkrqAA
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