It takes a lot of light to shine through the rainy weather experienced by most in B.C.'s Lower Mainland this weekend.
At Surrey City Hall Sunday (Oct. 20), plenty showed up to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with performances, speakers, vendor booths, crafts, prizes, food trucks and more, despite the wet weather outside.
Diwali Fest board member Ashwani Narwani noted Diwali is is the biggest festival celebrated in India and on the Indian sub-continent, likening it to Christian Christmas and Chinese New Year, calling it a celebration of good over evil.
"This is kind of like Hindu New Year," he explained.
Earthen lamps are the biggest symbol of Diwali, he said, and each day of the five-day festival has significance, and those who celebrate gather and share sweets with friends and family.
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke was at the celebration Sunday as well.
"I think it is always important to celebrate issues that are important to the community... Diwali is a celebration of good over evil, light over darkness, and for us in Surrey, this is such a great message to everybody. And it's just fun," she said.
"Whenever we can do something that is is extending to any community, we want to do it in the city of Surrey, because truly – truly – our diversity is our strength. So let's embrace it and celebrate it and have fun."
