The sun was shining at Surrey City Hall Sunday, just in time to celebrate Diwali, an annual celebration of light.
With vendors, craft tables, speakers, food trucks and plenty of talented performers, Diwali is the largest celebration in India and on the Indian sub-continent -- a celebration of good over evil, or light over dark.
"It works on the lunar cycle, so it changes every year," said Diwali advisory board member Vishad Deeplaul at the celebration Sunday (Oct. 5). "This year it's on the 20th of October, so folks will celebrate on that day (too) ... it's just about invoking everything that is pure and celebratory and giving (that) appreciation."
The event also highlights the diversity of South Asian culture in Surrey, Deeplaul said.
"I think one of the big pieces is the fact that we have such a diverse South Asian culture in British Columbia ... we have a South Asian culture that could be Punjabi or could be Hindu, it could be Fijian, it could be South African."
People who celebrate put little clay diyas, or lights, outside each day as the celebration nears, he noted, to start bringing in the goodness and the good energy into their homes.
"I think when it comes to Diwali, it is just bringing people together -- it's good energy, amazing food, the opportunity to dress up and also celebrate who we are"