Diwali Festival in Brampton 2021

By Remitbee - Oct 22, 2021

While last year's Diwali was slightly different in Brampton, South Asian families and other residents still had an enjoyable celebration with feasts and firework shows. What are your plans for Diwali, the Festival of Lights, this year?

Here's what's going on in Brampton.

Diwali in Brampton

The Festival of Lights or Diwali traditionally occurs along with the new moon, the Hindu lunar calendar's darkest night. The festival will begin on November 2nd this year, with the "main Diwali" falling on November 4th, an official holiday in other communities.

Harkirat Singh, Brampton City Councillor, highlighted his appreciation of Diwali being a significant time for many people in Brampton. Last year at his conference, he said that he wants them to enjoy Diwali while prioritizing their health.

This year, residents of Brampton do not need to have a permit to use short-range fireworks - those that go less than three meters or ten feet - on their residential property during Victoria Day, Canada Day, Diwali, and New Year's Eve.

However, Singh recommended having a virtual fireworks display instead with friends and neighbours. At the same time, those people who prefer to celebrate outside their houses must keep a safe distance and follow all COVID-19 safety requirements.

If you intend to use fireworks this year, it is advised to do so wisely and safely. Keep in mind that using fireworks on sidewalks, streets, city parks, schoolyards, and other public locations is prohibited. You can do it on your private property only.

The following are some fireworks safety reminders:

  • Keep water nearby to put out fireworks and use sparklers when using short-range fireworks.
  • Never light a firework or carry a lit firework in your hand.
  • Remember to let all fireworks cool completely before discarding them and wait at least 30 minutes before approaching a firework that hasn't gone off.

We must all play our part and listen to the advice of our public health officials, celebrating Diwali only with those in our near family. Residents are also reminded that in all small public venues, they must wear a mask. It should also have a maximum of ten people inside and 25 people outdoors.

In Brampton, there are 100 places of worship and around 30 gurdwaras. Last year, they had an issue with one of them. Patrick Brown, Brampton Mayor, stated that most Brampton residents have been following orders during one of the major festivities in the South Asian community.

However, even though people never overwhelmed the number allowed inside, people walked up from the neighbourhood and drove outside, causing a crowded situation. This is highly prohibited during COVID.

After receiving complaints of a crowd celebrating Diwali in a parking lot, Brampton bylaw police officers joined in dispersing the group of 300 people and issued a penalty to the temple. Charges were issued under the Reopening Ontario Act.

Throughout October and November, there will be numerous Diwali celebrations in Brampton. This year, more than ever, we should be more careful and creative about how we celebrate and interact with one another.

Selling Fireworks for Diwali in Brampton

Note: Vendors who want to sell fireworks for Diwali in Brampton must get a license by the end of the week, October 15th.

The City of Brampton is already accepting applications for its vendor training course, which is required of vendors who want to sell fireworks in the city. Before you can legally sell fireworks in Brampton, you must first pass this training.

Due to Covid-19, training has been changed to an online format, including watching the Fireworks Retailer Training Video and completing the Fireworks Retailer Questionnaire.

Applicants will have to complete the training online by submitting their payment and applying for a fire inspection. After that, licenses can be obtained in person at City Hall by making an appointment.

Those planning to sell fireworks in advance of Diwali must apply for a license by October 15th. Those planning to sell fireworks in advance of New Year's Eve must apply by December 10th.

Only four days a year—Victoria Day, Canada Day, Diwali, and New Year's Eve—do city bylaws allow the sale and personal usage of short-range fireworks (those that fly less than three meters or ten feet when lit).

So, do you plan to sell fireworks in Brampton for Diwali this year? To register, contact Brampton's Fire Prevention Division by phone at 905-874-2740 or by email at [email protected].

Brampton Restaurants for Diwali Feasts

This year, why not go pick up or order over the phone some Indian treats from these restaurants in Brampton?

Bahar Indian Cuisine Menu: Indian Cuisine Address: 50 Sky Harbour Dr. Unit #3, Brampton, ON

Indias Taste Menu: Indian Cuisine 900 Ray Lawson Blvd Unit # 16, Brampton, ON L6Y 5H7, Canada

Brar's Grand Buffet Menu: Indian, Vegetarian Cuisine 199 Advance Blvd Unit 13, Brampton, ON L6T 4N2, Canada

Send money back home for Diwali with RemitBee

In search of better job opportunities to support their families, many have moved to Canada. If you can't be with your family for Diwali, sending money back home along with your "Happy Diwali" greetings is the best way to show gratitude to those you care about this upcoming Festival of Lights.

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