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- calendar_today November 9, 2026
Diwali Lights Up Winnipeg Sky
On Sunday, Winnipeg’s Bridgwater neighbourhood became the site of a major Diwali celebration, marked by a 20-minute fireworks display that attracted an estimated 4,000 people. The event, organized by Indian Brothers Grocery and Street Food and co-owner Tusharkumar Akbari, was part of global Diwali festivities and aimed to bring the local community together in celebration of the traditional festival of lights.
Bridgwater Hosts Landmark Community Event
The annual Diwali festival began on Friday, but Sunday marked the main day, when families around the world typically gather to enjoy food, traditions, and fireworks. This year’s event in Bridgwater was held near Bison Run School, where families and individuals from the community joined in the celebration.
Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains, and has been observed in India for thousands of years, symbolizing the spiritual victory of light over darkness.
Community Spirit at the Center
Tusharkumar Akbari shared that his vision in building Indian Brothers Grocery was to create community connections and share his culture with others. The 2026 celebration represented a significant expansion from the previous year, when inclement weather limited attendance to roughly 1,700 people and resulted in a shorter fireworks display. In contrast, this year’s event featured DJs and a comprehensive program that had been in preparation for six months.
"We got a lot of love the last two years from people, so that's why we thought to give it back to the community," Akbari said.
A Special Occasion for Newcomers
Among those attending the festivities were siblings Khushmanjot Kaur and Arshjot Singh. For Singh, who moved to Winnipeg from India a few months ago, it was his first Diwali in Canada. Kaur, who has lived in Winnipeg for seven years, expressed joy at celebrating Diwali with her brother for the first time since coming to the country. She described the experience of seeing fireworks in Canada as highly emotional and memorable.
The Significance of Diwali
Diwali, also known as the festival of light, is a five-day festival observed with gatherings, food, and displays of lights and fireworks. The celebration marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, and it is embraced by diverse communities in India and around the world.
The Bridgwater celebration added to the list of cultural events in Winnipeg, bringing together residents of diverse backgrounds and contributing to the city’s vibrant festival scene.
Looking Ahead
With this year’s successful turnout, organizers and attendees expressed appreciation for the sense of connection and inclusion fostered by the event. The Indian community in Winnipeg, alongside neighbors and friends, marked Diwali with color, light, and a spirit of togetherness.
Source: cbc.ca.
