Today is the Hindu festival of lights, which celebrates the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and light over darkness. Happy Diwali!
Every year, people gather with friends or family to celebrate this celebration, which usually lasts for a few days. At certain times during festivals we light candles, share a good meal and give gifts to each other.
I celebrated Diwali over the weekend with my friend Jatinder, a Punjabi guy who came to Canada three years ago now, and it really felt like Christmas. Her apartment is full of love, the atmosphere is warm and everyone is happy to see and talk to each other.
As laughter erupted among the guests, between two mouthfuls of puris, between Indian breads, I realized one thing: by opening up to other cultures, we finally realized that we are not so different.
Open arms
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a friend from India. A few years ago, my friend Jatinder allowed me to open myself to a new culture that was unknown to me.
He spoke to me at length about his religion, Hinduism, which allows him to remain aligned with his values even while living in a place different from his origins. I went with him to several Indian shops in Montreal and smelled and bought incense from his country. I tasted his variety of masala dishes. Every time he introduces me to a part of his culture, my eyes light up.
A country like Canada, a province like Quebec, has every interest in welcoming these immigrants with open arms.
Because all Quebecers deserve to have a friend like Jatinder: a friend from elsewhere who speaks the same language of the heart.
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