Port Coquitlam celebrated the South Asian festival of Diwali with great festivities and revelry on Oct. 26, 2024, at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre.
The day long activities for Diwali: Festival of Lights Celebration began with complimentary drop-in dance workshops in the morning followed by a sensational Diwali Market, which gave the community a chance to engage with small businesses across henna arts (Pradnya), festive decor (Shubh and The Molecule Makers), traditional foods (Anitra Delights), creative gifting such as “rangoli” jigsaw puzzles (Corner Piece Puzzles), skincare (Bayu), immunity drinks (Injii Kaapi) and of course, the glitz and glamour of South Asian clothing and jewelry (Pehnawa Apna and Kaarigar).
Community members of all ages really enjoyed the “Diya” painting and art workshops led by local artist Devyani Gokhale. The take home diyas were the perfect adornment for celebrating at home.
The much loved and fondly called “PoCo Diwali” event was attended by Mayor Brad West, MP Ron McKinnon, MLA-Elect Mike Farnworth, MLA-Elect Jennifer Blatherwick, Port Coquitlam Community Foundation, Port Coquitlam Couns. Steve Darling and Nancy McCurrach, Coquitlam Couns. Daniel Marsden and Matt Djonlic, Port Moody Coun. Amy Anne Lubik, SD43 School Trustee Michael Thomas, Laura Dupont and board members of the Tri Cities Chamber of Commerce Pulkit Sharma and Adel Gamar.
