1^st November 2024 – In a very shocking turn of events in Canada, an annual Diwali event at Parliament Hill has reportedly been cancelled by the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC).

A letter written by Overseas Friends of India Canada (OFIC) expressed its disappointment at the cancellation of the 24^th Diwali celebration at the Parliament Hill. The letter read “that we (Hindus) are being viewed not as fellow Canadians, but as outsiders who are somehow linked to the political actions of a country many of us have ancestral ties to.” Shiv Bhasker, President of OFIC, further wrote “we demand an apology for this insensitive and discriminatory act.” The letter further read “this canceled event was not just a political gathering; it was meant to celebrate Diwali, a festival that brings together families, friends and communities in a spirit of light, hope and renewal”.

Hindu Forum Canada (HFC) wrote on X this move (of canceling Diwali celebrations) “sends a clear message of exclusion to a community deeply woven into Canada’s cultural fabric. Diwali, a festival symbolizing light and unity, is celebrated worldwide with leaders like US President Biden and astronaut Sunita Williams honoring it with great respect. Yet, CPC leader (Pierre Poilievre) has shown a concerning disregard for Canadian Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains.” HFC has called this decision a ‘politically motivated act of appeasement that dismisses a significant, vibrant part of Canadian society.’ Further it read “our votes should go to leaders who genuinely respect and stand by all Canadians and we must make our voices heard”.

An unverified snip of an email was doing rounds on social media showing an apathetic response from CPC’s office to the invitation to the Diwali event.

It is noteworthy that the event was an initiative of Late PC MP Deepak Obhrai who passed away in 2019. Since then the event has been carried forward by his PC colleague MP Todd Doherty. The family of Deepak Obhrai informed on X that the non-partisan event will now be heled on 16^th November 2024 by the Liberal MP Chandra Arya.