Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement on the occasion of Diwali, the Festival of Lights:

“Today, we join Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains all over the province to celebrate Diwali, Deepavali and Bandi Chhor Divas.

“As friends, families and communities come together to celebrate the festival by lighting diyas, we also celebrate the victory of light over darkness, of hope over despair and of good over evil.

“Diwali represents a time of year to reflect on the good in our lives and to think about helping people in our community.

“It is a time to come together and celebrate our diverse backgrounds and beliefs, and rejoice in our shared values of respect, inclusion and equality.

“On behalf of all British Columbians, I wish everyone a happy Diwali, Deepavali and Bandi Chhor Divas!”

For the Punjabi translation of this statement, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/20181024_STM_PJH_Diwali_V4_Punjabi_.pdf

For the Hindi translation of this statement, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/20181024_STM_PJH_Diwali_V4_hindi_.pdf