On the joyous occasion of Diwali, I am currently in Toronto and would like to extend my heartfelt greetings to all of those who believe in the power of light, unity and harmony.
This year, October 20 was officially declared Diwali Day in Canada. Just a few days before the festival, the Mississauga City Council held an important meeting with members of the local Hindu community, where it was decided to amend the law to not ban fireworks. This decision was not only widely appreciated by the local Hindu community but also enhanced Canada’s image worldwide as a nation that respects religious freedom.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney participated in the Diwali celebrations, continuing the traditions of interfaith harmony established by former prime minister Justin Trudeau. In Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa, Diwali celebrations last for several weeks. What I am observing here is that streets, markets, temples, and buildings are decorated beautifully with colourful lights, reflecting the spirit of unity and prosperity.
US President Donald Trump also hosted a grand Diwali ceremony at the White House, where he extended greetings to all participants and shared that he had recently spoken with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his conversion, he had highlighted the need to promote trade cooperation and regional peace, and also urged the significance of avoiding conflict with Pakistan.
Each year, thousands gather in Times Square, New York, to participate in the annual Diwali festival. The air is filled with music, songs, and the glow of colourful lights, symbolising that the joys and sorrows of all people, everywhere, are common. A large number of Muslims, Christians, Jews and people of many other faiths join in, demonstrating the spirit of interfaith tolerance and human brotherhood.
I have often expressed that the Festival of Lights – Diwali – has become a global symbol of peace, hope and the triumph of good over evil. It carries a timeless universal message: that even a small flame can drive away the darkest night. In today’s digital age, the lights of Diwali have transcended the borders of South Asia and reached the developed world, including Australia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The celebrations signify that the developed countries have not only enshrined religious freedom in their legal framework but have also embraced it in practice.
In my view, Diwali is no longer confined to one religion; it has become a universal opportunity to promote dialogue, understanding and trust among different faiths. I have personally witnessed that here in North America, churches, mosques, temples, synagogues and gurdwaras stand side by side, and people actively participate in each other’s religious events with mutual respect and goodwill. Educational institutions also teach children about the major festivals of different religions to encourage religious tolerance and cultural awareness.
However, after taking part in Diwali celebrations here, I feel that Pakistan lags far behind in the field of cultural diplomacy. Diwali is a shared celebration for Hindus across the world, including those living in Pakistan. Even today, the Hindu community is the largest minority in Pakistan by population, yet Diwali and Holi greetings are almost exclusively directed towards India.
I strongly believe that if the government of Pakistan were to declare Diwali a national holiday, and the government itself officially celebrated it – broadcasting the colourful festivities live on television – not only would the people of Pakistan better understand the true message of Diwali, but it would also send a powerful diplomatic message to the world that every citizen in Pakistan enjoys religious freedom. Such an initiative could play a vital role in promoting interfaith harmony and bringing people closer together.
May the lights of Diwali fill every home with warmth and every heart with love. May the glow of our lamps light the path towards a global village where every person lives safely, equally, and with dignity.
Happy Diwali to everyone!
The writer is a member of the National Assembly and patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council. He tweets/posts @RVankwani
