Diwali is getting its celebration early in some places in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) this weekend. From cultural performances to dazzling drone shows, there are plenty of ways to take part ahead of the holiday next month.
The festival of lights is a major celebration in Hindu culture, with the holiday falling on Sunday, Nov. 8, this year.
However, the festivities are beginning earlier, with events expected to take place across Toronto, Brampton and Caledon this weekend, a couple of weeks ahead of the festival.
Here are six places to celebrate Diwali around the GTA.
October celebrations
North York Diwali Fest
When: Oct. 23 to 25
Where: Mel Lastman Square, Toronto
North York Diwali Fest is bringing three days of music, food and cultural celebrations to Mel Lastman Square.
Visitors can explore a marketplace filled with vendors, watch live performances and participate in family-friendly activities, including diya oil lamp painting and rangoli creation workshops.
The festival runs this Friday through Sunday, making it an option for anyone looking to enjoy Diwali festivities early this year.
Diwali Festival of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square
When: Oct. 24 to 25
Where: Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto
Head downtown for a weekend of Diwali celebrations in Toronto.
Nathan Phillips Square will be featuring live music, dance performances, food vendors, arts and crafts, and a massive fireworks show.
The event offers an opportunity to experience South Asian culture in the heart of Toronto.
Diwali Dhamaka in Brampton
When: Oct. 24 to 25
Where: Courtyard by Marriott, 90 Biscayne Crescent, Brampton
Brampton’s Diwali Dhamaka is a family-friendly celebration set to feature entertainment, food, vendor shopping and activities for children.
Attendees can enjoy henna and face painting stations and even a magic show for all ages to enjoy.
November celebrations
Gerrard India Bazaar Diwali Mela
When: Nov. 7, from 6 to 10 p.m.
Where: Gerrard India Bazaar on Gerrard Street East
Toronto’s Little India will be celebrating Diwali with an outdoor “mela” AKA party, featuring a live DJ, dancing, sparklers, food and sweets, and sidewalk vendors.
Attendees can also explore the local South Asian restaurants and shops in the area, which sell festive clothing, jewellery, sweets and decorations.
Diwali Drone Show in Caledon
When: Nov. 7, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Peel Agri Hub, 12942 Heart Lake Road, Caledon
Following strict firework bans in multiple municipalities, Caledon’s Diwali celebration will instead feature more than 200 drones creating illuminated displays in the night sky.
The event will also include music, live performances and food vendors. The drone show is scheduled for 7:45 p.m., and a free shuttle service will operate from some community pickup locations. Be sure to check out the city’s website to find your nearest pickup point.
The event is weather-dependent, with Nov. 8 set as the backup date.
Brampton Diwali Mela
When: Nov. 8, from 4 to 10 p.m.
Where: Sesquicentennial Park, 11333 Bramalea Road, Brampton
Brampton’s annual Diwali Mela will bring together music, dance, food and family activities for an evening celebrating the festival of lights.
The lineup includes Punjabi singer Sukhshinder Shinda, with Vandana Kaur opening the show.
Visitors can also enjoy various dance performances, including Bhangra, Gidda, Kathak, Garba, and other classical dance and dhol drum performances.
The evening will feature a scheduled fireworks display around 7:30 p.m., followed by a drone show at 8:15 p.m.
Parking is limited, so guests are asked to use the free Brampton Transit shuttles from specific locations.
To find your nearest pick up point, head to the city’s website.
