2 weeks Ago By Dan Ferguson
Hundreds of people filled the Langley City branch of the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) to watch traditional Bhangra folk dancers fill the usually quiet space with music to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. Organizers of Diwali, the festival of lights, also offered Bhangra dance lessons, coffee, tea and samosas, as well as a colouring station for children, all for free, at the Saturday afternoon, Nov. 2 event.
Community librarian Sandeep Khaira, who dressed up for the occasion in elegant traditional garb, said the event is celebrated by all cultures in India and around the world. "We are just trying to bring in multiculturalism, and trying to respect diversity and inclusion in our library," Khaira commented. "This is our annual big, big celebration," Khaira explained.
"I'm very, very thankful to our community for showing that much love and respect to the library, and library staff and volunteers." Diwali, which derives from the Sanskrit “row of lights," celebrates the victory of good over evil, inner light over spiritual darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Councillor Rosemary Wallace, Langley City Arts, Recreation, Culture and Heritage Committee Chair and the City representative on the Fraser Valley Regional Library Board, told the audience it was a good time to be celebrating the victory of good over evil.
"I think it's something that we really need in today with all of the things that are going on in the globe," Wallace commented. City Mayor Nathan Pachal described the occasion as "one of the most important festivals of the year." "We're also getting towards the darkest time of the year and Diwali is an important time for us to remember the power of light over darkness and goodness over evil, so I'm happy to be here," Pachal said.
City Coun. Paul Albrreht, who sits on the FVRL board as an alternate, said "as a member of council we embrace and support diversity in our community and we're looking forward to some great food, some music, and some fashion to help enlighten and educate all of us here in our fair community." Synchronized with the lunar calendar, the actual Diwali date varies from year to year, but it typically falls between October and November.
.
