Thousands gathered in Nathan Phillips Square to enjoy Diwali’s joy and tradition through art, food and fireworks

By Kristian Tofilovski

This October, the Diwali Festival of Lights once again illuminated Nathan Phillips Square, bringing a renewed sense of joy and community to Toronto. 

Held on the weekend of the 26th and 27th, the event drew vibrant crowds who gathered to celebrate with performances, art, fireworks and traditional food, leaving lasting memories for all who attended.

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is a Hindu celebration symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, marked by lighting lamps, exchanging gifts and spending time with family and friends.

“Diwali is like Christmas for Hindus. It’s one of our biggest festivals,” said Ritu Patel, a vendor.

Patel also says it’s more than just a festival; it’s a cherished part of her cultural identity.

“Diwali’s one of my favourite festivals since childhood because there are lots of gifts, sweets and bright lights around you. But as I got older, I realized it’s also a celebration of your own culture and a way to connect to it,” said Patel.

The celebration of Diwali through this festival owes much to the dedication of its art vendors.

Jyoti Virmani, owner of Nail Art by Jojo, is one of them. Her shop specializes in nail art, jewelry and henna.

She explained that seeing her husband, an artist, sell his work inspired her to start selling her own at the festival.

Of the numerous press-on nails she displays at her booth, one holds a particularly special place in her heart.

“I made a very beautiful nail art piece for a lady who is about to conceive. It has blue and pink designs that indicate whether she’s going to have a baby girl or boy, so I’m proud of that one.”

In addition to her nail art, other artisans like Ritu Patel contribute to the festival’s cultural offerings. Along with her husband, Patel runs Festive Hues, a business selling traditional Indian decorative items.

“We started this venture recently. Being in Canada for four years, I was missing my culture and those few special items we would celebrate with every festival, like decorative items. That’s why I started Festive Hues—to bring those items from India for not only myself but for people to buy as well,” said Patel.

Toran, which she describes as a decorative piece placed on one’s front door to bring good luck, wealth and health, is the item she is most proud of creating.

She even has Hindu symbols incorporated within the Toran itself.

“If you look at the top one, it has the symbol of Ganesha, one of our gods. Adding it brings auspiciousness and goodness to the home,” said Patel.

Following Virmani and Patel is Rakiya Abdullah, of Ruqayya Oud Perfumes, who brings her own flair by selling oil perfumes and body care products.

Selling her products, she says, stems from a desire to help free people from alcohol and harmful chemicals.

“I’m proud of my skincare and the oil perfumes I made myself. The process of making these products is very organic in that the ingredients are extracted from plants, seeds, flowers and trees,” she said.

Finally, Monis Mir, the managing partner of Crafts and Charm, discussed his handicrafts and traditional Indian clothing business, which he runs with his wife.

“We’re a business from Kashmir, India. We manufacture Pashmina, a fine wool cashmere, along with various handicrafts,” he said. “Kashmir is the birthplace of Pashmina scarves, shawls, and wraps,” he added.

Mir describes the inspiration behind Crafts and Charm, explaining that he didn’t see many businesses selling Pashmina in Canada or North America, so he wanted to make it more available there.

He further explains what makes Pashmina unique. 

 “Kashmir is a region in the Himalayas. There are specific goats in the Himalayas that live about 12,000 feet above sea level. The wool they produce has evolved to be incredibly resilient to the cold, making it costly and premium,” he said.

Beyond the art that is sold, The Festival of Lights also holds a deeper personal significance for the vendors. 

For starters, celebrating Diwali through the Festival of Lights in Canada reminds vendors, who immigrated from India, of home.

“Being an immigrant, having Diwali celebrated here is really incredible. Diwali is the time when I usually miss my family the most, but being here surrounded by all these people, it feels like I’m home, celebrating the way we do there. We’re meeting with friends, eating sweets, lighting fireworks—it feels good,” said Patel.

They also describe the festival’s impact from a business standpoint.

“In our factory, we work directly with artisans from back home, so if we’re doing well, they’ll do well too. It’s a full chain,” said Mir.

“It helps me grow as a salesperson. It helps me make more clients,” added Virmani.

Above all, though, vendors say the festival helps foster unity and acceptance: the core essence of Diwali.

This is accomplished particularly through the festival taking place at Nathan Phillips Square. 

“The space is large, and it’s in the heart of Toronto, so we can get a lot of people to come together,” said Buch.

This doesn’t just have to include those who celebrate Diwali, but also people eager to learn and join in, who vendors say are more than welcome.

“Even if you don’t celebrate Diwali, feel free to come here and watch the fireworks and eat sweets. It’s all about happiness and unity,” said Patel.

“You don’t need to perform some special ritual or be a part of some religion, you can come celebrate Diwali as it is,” said Mir.

This message resonates especially with Abduallah, who, despite not celebrating Diwali as a Muslim, describes always feeling welcomed among the festival’s vendors.

As an attendee, I also felt welcomed by every vendor I spoke with. Each one greeted me with warmth and was happy to share their stories and products. It was easy to connect with them, and they made me feel like I was truly a part of the festival.

The whole atmosphere was so open and inviting, and I quickly felt at home in the culture surrounding the event. I enjoyed talking to everyone—from those selling traditional items to those showcasing their art. It never felt intimidating or uncomfortable.

If you’re thinking about attending, I’d definitely recommend it. The sense of community at the festival makes it accessible and welcoming to everyone, whether you’re familiar with Diwali or just curious to experience something new.

As we remember the Diwali Festival of Lights, we are reminded that the celebration is much more than an event—it is a bridge, inviting everyone to share in joy, tradition, and unity.

Next year, the glow will return, and all are invited.