Source: www.thaindian.com

TORONTO, CANADA, October 10, 2009: The Canadian parliament celebrated Diwali this week with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other top leaders lighting the traditional lamps. They were among the 450 dignitaries to attend the festivities Thursday night.
High commissioner Shashisekar Gavai of India and Hindu envoys from Pakistan and Malaysia were also among those who attended the evening gala. After lighting the traditional lamp, Prime Minister Harper said the growing Indo Canadian community is at the forefront of Canadas quest to build an even better country for generations to come. Since 1998, Diwali on Parliament Hill (the seat of the House of Commons) has grown in significance and stature, and today can truly be considered as Canadas National Diwali Festival, said Deepak Obhrai, who is parliamentary secretary to the foreign minister.