Ottawa, Nov 2026 : Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has extended warm Diwali greetings to people celebrating the festival in Canada and around the world, highlighting its enduring message of the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
In an official statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office on November 8, 2026, Carney recognised the religious, cultural and social significance of Diwali and acknowledged the contributions of Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities that celebrate the festival.
He described Diwali as a festival that brings people together through shared traditions, family gatherings and celebrations, while conveying universal values of hope, goodness, generosity and togetherness.
The Prime Minister said that families and friends across Canada would come together to light traditional lamps, share meals and honour customs and traditions passed down through generations. His message also underlined the importance of preserving cultural heritage and strengthening relationships within families and communities.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend my warmest wishes to everyone celebrating Diwali,” the Prime Minister said, expressing hope that the festival would bring happiness, peace and prosperity to people and their loved ones.
Diwali symbolises victory of light over darkness
Emphasising the central message of the festival, Carney said Diwali represents the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
The festival is among India's most significant celebrations, but its popularity and cultural importance extend far beyond the country. Millions of people across the world observe Diwali, making it an important occasion for communities to celebrate their heritage, faith and shared values.
The lighting of diyas, decorative illumination of homes, prayers, family gatherings and exchange of sweets and gifts are among the most recognised traditions associated with the festival.
For many, Diwali also marks a time for new beginnings, reflection and renewal. The festival encourages people to move beyond negativity, strengthen personal relationships and welcome the future with optimism.
Carney's message reflected these wider cultural and spiritual dimensions, recognising Diwali not only as a religious celebration but also as an occasion that promotes hope, positivity and social harmony.
Indian communities celebrate across Canada
Canada has a sizeable population of people of Indian origin, and Diwali is celebrated with enthusiasm in several parts of the country. Hindu, Sikh, Jain and other communities observe the festival according to their respective religious beliefs and cultural traditions.
Temples, community centres and homes host special prayers, cultural programmes and festive gatherings. Music, traditional dance performances and community celebrations form an important part of the festivities.
Families and friends meet to exchange greetings, sweets and gifts, while younger generations participate in customs that connect them with their cultural roots.
In a multicultural country such as Canada, Diwali also provides an opportunity for people from different backgrounds to learn about Indian traditions and participate in celebrations. Such gatherings help promote cultural understanding and strengthen connections among communities.
The Prime Minister's decision to extend greetings to everyone celebrating the festival, rather than limiting his message to a particular religious group, reflected the wider place of Diwali in Canada's diverse social and cultural landscape.
Message of generosity, service and caring for others
Beyond the traditional celebrations, Carney highlighted the values of generosity, service and concern for others as important expressions of the Diwali spirit.
He encouraged people to recognise that the light associated with the festival should not remain confined to lamps and decorations but should also be reflected in their actions and relationships.
Helping those in need, showing kindness, supporting vulnerable people and caring for one another are meaningful ways of spreading light in society, the message suggested.
The Prime Minister's emphasis on these values highlighted the human and social dimensions of Diwali. While the festival has deep religious and cultural roots, its message of compassion and goodwill has relevance across communities and faiths.
The occasion, therefore, serves as a reminder that individual actions can contribute to a more caring and supportive society. Acts of generosity and service, however small, can bring hope to people facing difficulties and strengthen the bonds that hold communities together.
A celebration of Canada's multicultural identity
Diwali has become an important part of Canada's multicultural celebrations, reflecting the country's diverse religious and cultural communities.
Festivities across Canadian cities bring together people from different backgrounds, offering opportunities to appreciate traditions, share experiences and build mutual understanding.
The festival also plays an important role in helping younger generations remain connected with their heritage. Lighting diyas, preparing traditional food, offering prayers and participating in community events allow families to pass on customs and cultural values.
Carney's greetings acknowledged this contribution of Diwali to Canada's social fabric. By recognising the celebrations of Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities, he highlighted the importance of respecting different traditions while promoting shared values.
The message also reflected the role of festivals in bringing people together beyond religious and cultural boundaries. The themes of hope, peace, kindness and unity, associated with Diwali, offer a common ground for people across society.
Wishes for peace and prosperity
Concluding his message, the Canadian Prime Minister extended greetings on behalf of his government and wished everyone celebrating Diwali happiness, peace and prosperity.
His statement presented the festival as an occasion to celebrate cultural heritage while renewing commitments to generosity, service and mutual care.
As Diwali celebrations take place across Canada and other parts of the world, Carney's message highlighted the universal significance of the festival: the triumph of light over darkness, goodness over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
By connecting these traditional themes with the values of compassion, unity and social responsibility, the Prime Minister underlined how the spirit of Diwali can extend beyond the celebrations and find expression in everyday life.
