A bigger, better Diwali

The floor at the Lions Pavilion in Belleville’s West Zwick’s Park has never been so packed.  The park was alive with people of Indian descent and many others enjoying the second annual Belleville Diwali Festival Sunday.

Diwali is a major celebration in India in honour of the triumph of light over darkness and the festival featured Indian food, music, dancing and a big fireworks show at dusk.

Many of the people taking part were international students from India who are attending Loyalist College.

Acting President at Loyalist Mark Kirkpatrick said the entire region was better for having students study here.

“These students enrich the vibrancy of our campus and as is  evident here today it’s wonderful to see this energy and enthusiasm into our wider community through the important cultural celebrations like Diwali.”

 

Belleville Mayor Mitch Panciuk said the city was lucky to have a growing population of people from other countries.

“And events like Diwali today and others that we host throughout the year help us to come together to celebrate the diversity that makes our city so unique.”

Paciuk congratulated everyone involved in organizing the festival, especially the Chair of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee Councillor Sean Kelly whom he called the “driving force” behind the creation of the festival.

About 5,000 people attended the Belleville Diwali Festival.

President of Belleville International Hardik Patel speaks at Diwali’s opening ceremony. (Photo: Quinte News)