Diwali fireworks on Remembrance Day
Diwali is a major religious holiday celebrated by both Hindus and Sikhs
One of the biggest parties in Indian culture is fallingon one of Canada's most solemn occasions this year.
Diwalia major religious holidaycelebrated by both Hindus and Sikhs is happening onRemembrance Day this year. The festivalchanges every year based on the lunar calendar.
Diwaliis alsoknown as the Festival of Lights. Fireworks are a major part of the celebrations andfestival organizers wanted to know whetherfireworks were okay this year.
In Terrace,city council debated having fireworks go off on Remembrance Day.Theydecided to allow it as long as the community was aware of what the fireworks were for, and the legion approved it.
Diwali celebrantssay there is enough of a buffer between the two events. Remembrance Day ceremonies are in the morning and Diwali is in the evening
"We do it at seven o'clock [p.m.], after six o'clock anyway. It doesn't interfere with Remembrance Day ceremonies. They finish by 11 o'clock [a.m.],"saidParminderSinghParmar, president of the Skeena Valley Guru Nanak Brotherhood Society.
To hear the full audio piece click on Balancing Diwali celebrations on Remembrance DayonCBC'sDaybreak North.
With files from Andrew Kurjata