KELOWNA, B.C. – Diwali is celebrated by Sikhs, Hindus and Jaines in the Okanagan each year. It’s normally a celebration with firecrackers and a lot of light, but this year, the atmosphere is very different.
“This year we are not celebrating Diwali,” said Amarjit Lalli, spokesperson for the Okanagan Sikh temple. “It’s called a black Diwali and it’s being done without lights.”
It’s an order from the supreme ruling body of the Sikh in India. A sacred copy of the Sikh holy book was recently found torn to pieces and scattered on the streets in India. Lalli said the government failed to act on this matter and so the Sikhs held a silent protest.
“The government opened fire on a peaceful protest,” he said. “They killed and shot two individuals, tear gas was used, water cannons were used and hundreds were injured.”
Kelowna’s Sikh community also held a silent protest recently on the streets of Kelowna. Their protest in the Okanagan was in support of friends and family who cannot protest in their homeland.
“We are doing a demonstration,” a man from the protest said. “This is a right for everyone to be able to protest and not be shot at.”
In previous years the Sikh golden temple in Rutland was lit up with lights and colour. This year, the only light illuminating the temple Wednesday night was the flicker of a candle. It was to remember and honour those who are fighting for justice and equality in India.
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