Surrey City Hall glowed Sunday as hundreds gathered for Diwali, celebrating light, culture, and community at the city’s annual festival of lights.
Sunshine and Celebration in Surrey
Under clear skies Sunday (Oct. 5), Surrey City Hall transformed into a lively hub of colour and music for the city’s annual Diwali celebration. The festival of lights drew families, performers, and vendors from across the Lower Mainland, creating a vibrant celebration of culture and community.
A Festival of Light and Meaning
Diwali, one of the most significant celebrations in Indian and South Asian culture, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. This year’s public event was organized ahead of the main Diwali date, which falls on October 20. Visitors enjoyed traditional music, dance, food trucks, and craft stations — all highlighting the joy and energy of the occasion.
Voices from the Community
“It works on the lunar cycle, so it changes every year,” explained Vishad Deeplaul, a member of Surrey’s Diwali advisory board. “This year it’s on the 20th of October, so folks will celebrate that day too — it’s about invoking everything that is pure, celebratory, and full of appreciation.”
Deeplaul added that the event also showcases Surrey’s cultural diversity. “We have a South Asian community that could be Punjabi, Hindu, Fijian, or South African — and this festival brings everyone together.”
Culture in Full Colour
Across the plaza, families took part in making rangoli art, painting diyas, and sampling regional cuisines. Performers from different traditions filled the stage with bhangra, Bollywood, and fusion dance numbers, earning cheers from the packed crowd.
Many attendees said they look forward to the annual celebration as a chance to connect with their heritage and share it with neighbours from all backgrounds.
Lighting the Way
As Diwali approaches, participants traditionally light small clay lamps called diyas outside their homes to invite good fortune and positive energy. “It’s really about bringing in the light — both spiritually and literally,” said one visitor. “It reminds us that goodness and kindness still shine brightest.”
A Celebration for All of Surrey
Supported by the City of Surrey, the festival emphasized unity, inclusivity, and pride in cultural heritage. Organizers say the event continues to grow each year, reflecting Surrey’s dynamic multicultural community. With the province officially recognizing October 5–25 as “Diwali Fest Days,” more celebrations are planned across Metro Vancouver in the coming weeks.
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