Edmonton Partners With South Asian Community for Safe Diwali Fireworks Celebration

Edmonton Diwali fireworks celebration at Mill Woods Park, Digi Mart USA News (Edmonton, Alberta): The City of Edmonton has partnered with a South Asian community group to remind Diwali celebrants that fireworks in the hands of amateurs can be dangerous, while holiday celebrations can still be beautiful.

The Sifarish Network is helping organize a communal celebration with an elaborate fireworks display at Mill Woods Park on Sunday night. It is the only city-sanctioned fireworks display taking place that night.

Without an appropriate permit, anyone who sets off fireworks within city limits risks a fine of up to $10,000 and possible charges.

Network co-chair Raj Malhotra said his group reached out to the city after fireworks lit around this time last year caused problems. Last year, a Mill Woods home caught fire after it was struck by illegal fireworks during Diwali, and three people were charged with arson.

“We figured we need to put it in a central place where people can enjoy fireworks safely,” he told CTV News Edmonton.

Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, is widely celebrated as the largest religious and cultural festival in South Asia. In Hindu culture, the holiday, which usually falls sometime between October and November depending on the lunar calendar, celebrates the return of the deity Prince Rama to Ayodhya.

It is typically marked with lights and fireworks, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.

Sifarish Network co-founder Sunny Kakar said South Asians in Edmonton “want to carry on those traditions and share them with our fellow neighbours.” “We’re really hoping this gathering takes out some of the negativity and the angst around the celebration of Diwali,” he said. “It brings people together to learn what it’s about and celebrate and enjoy some great fireworks.

We’re hoping it’s something great for the City of Edmonton, that we can do year over year.”

Everyone is welcome to the Mill Woods Park gathering, which begins at 5 p.m., with fireworks starting at 8:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Food trucks, dancing and singing will be available, along with fire pits around the area.