A worker paints earthen lamps ahead of the Hindu festival of Diwali in Kolkata October 21, 2013. Earthen lamps are sold in large numbers during Diwali, the annual Hindu festival of lights.

on"Vancouver Celebrates Diwali", the annual celebration of classical and contemporary South Asian culture, starts on Oct 29, Tuesday. across Metro Vancouver. The celebration of the festival of light will be grandly celebrated today from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm at Scotiabank Dance Centre, Vancouver. This is the 10th year of the celebration which will be held until Nov 8.

There are some added attractions this year. There is going to be South Asian themed Cooking Classes to be held at the Roundhouse. On the other hand, IndiGlam Fashion Social will be held at Scotiabank Dance Centre. Vancouver Public Library will witness dance demonstrations at its main branch. Family Day will be celebrated at the Surrey Art Gallery and you can enjoy Chai House at the Surrey Arts Centre. Additionally, there will contemporary fashion shows which will focus on Indian culture as well as innovative local designers. There will be DJ party to entertain those who attend the ceremony.

Diwali is called the Festival of Lights as the occasion is celebrated with lights. This South Asian festival can be compared with any other harvest festivals which are held all over the world. This can also be compared with Western grand celebration of festivals like Christmas. Diwali generally coincides with Halloween. The celebrations include family gatherings feasting in calorie-rich foods. It celebrates the victory of the good over the evil.

The festival is basically celebrated by Hindus and Jains in South Asians countries like India, Malaysia and Singapore. However, there are numerous South Asian people live in Canada. That is why Diwali is celebrated with a lot of grandeur in Canada as well. Many Canadians who belong to other religions as well take part in the celebration with their South Asian friends. The world Diwali aka Deepavali means 'Row of Lights.' Generally the celebration includes cleaning the household, buying new clothes, forgetting about past hard feeling and starting afresh. Goddess Laxmi, who represents prosperity, is worshipped during Diwali.

If you are willing to take a part in Diwali celebration in Vancouver, you can call 1-800-838-3006 to buy tickets ($35 VIP tickets/$25 general tickets).

Watch Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper take part in Diwali celebration in 2012:

Video courtesy: YouTube/DiversityReporter