On Friday November 10, 2023, the Canadian Hindu Cultural Center and The Levitate Diwali, a one-of-a-kind event, successfully bridged generational and cultural gaps by bringing together many seniors, children, youths and new international students from all faiths and all nationalities. This unique blend of wisdom and youthful energy created a vibrant atmosphere that resonated throughout the evening.
We recognised two distinguished guests- Mr. Mahendra Joshi, one of the earliest known international students to arrive at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada in 1969 and Mrs. Savitaben Patel, current President of Sanatan Mandir Seniors Club a dedicated social activist and supporting a large senior community in Toronto since 1972.
The event featured heartwarming exchanges as seniors shared their rich life experiences, providing valuable insights and connecting with the younger generation. The new international students, in turn, brought a fresh perspective and dynamic energy to the stage, adding an exciting dimension to the celebration.
The program encompassed a range of activities, including traditional Pooja ceremonies that added a spiritual touch to the evening. Both seniors and students showcased their cultural talents through captivating performances, creating a delightful fusion of traditions on stage. The audience was treated to a sensory journey through diverse cultural expressions.
The Lamp Lighting Ceremony, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and the ignition of knowledge, marked the auspicious beginning of the event. Our Esteemed guests joined Ms. Sharmishtha Joshi the President of the Canadian Hindu Cultural Center, and Jerin Raj, the President of the Youth Team, graced the stage for this symbolic moment, followed by each member in the audience lighting a t-light at their own seat, to mark a day of new beginnings and bring the cheer of Deepawali.
Event was possible because of our ardent sponsors, such as ICICI Bank, Nava Wilson LLP, Sunray Group of Hotels, Fortune Consultancy, Multi-risk Insurance Brokers & Financial Group Inc, and DGM – Sales LTD, were acknowledged for their generous support, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that made the event possible.
The dynamic emcee duo, Tessa Maria Mathew and Jayadev Venugopal, brought vibrant energy and engaging hosting skills to “The Levitate Diwali,” contributing to a memorable and inclusive celebration. The festivities continued with a delectable dinner, offering a taste of various cuisines that catered to diverse palates. Attendees enjoyed a culinary journey that mirrored the diversity of the community coming together for this special Diwali celebration.
Entertainment took center stage with a variety of performances including a classical dance by Tanisha Vora of NKM Arts -School of Indian Classical dance, A Diva dance cum Garba by the Utsahi Queens-Rekha Ladva, Reshma Patel and Minakshi Bhatt. Sara Julianna Siju, a Canadian-born artist with a passion for Indian music, and JD, the Mallu rapper, collaborated to deliver an eclectic performance in various Indian languages. Laxmi Menon, an instructor at Levitate Dance Academy, showcased her talent with a mesmerizing Bollywood dance number that lit up the stage
The audience was captivated by the talents of both seniors and students, creating memorable moments that highlighted the richness of cultural diversity.
“Canadian Hindu Cultural Center and the Levitate Diwali” succeeded in creating an inclusive space where generations mingled, exchanged stories, and celebrated the festival of lights together. The event not only fostered a sense of community but also showcased the unity in diversity that defines the Canadian cultural landscape.
