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<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><a name="_Hlk155183277"><b><u><span lang="EN-US">Speaker Series: History of Diwali<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk155183277"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk155183277"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal">Diwali - or Dipawali - is India's biggest and most important holiday of the year. Over a billion people worldwide celebrate Diwali. How is it celebrated in your local community, and have you participated? Explore the history of Diwali and
get insight on planning your own Diwali activities.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Diwali has over 2000 years of history and connects to various religious events. Diwali symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness. The festival is a homecoming and bonding period for families, communities, and associations.
People celebrate by decorating their homes, exchanging sweets, performing prayers and bursting fireworks. Diwali has fireworks, thousands of people celebrating and five days of activities. How can communities or organizations plan engaging and safe activities?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">How did Diwali start in British Columbia? How much has it grown over the past 10+ years? There are many ways to celebrate Diwali over the five-day Festival of Lights. What goes into planning a Diwali celebration? How can museums, libraries
and publics spaces take part in this important celebration? Learn new ways to celebrate with a Director from
<i>Diwalifest </i>Board. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">When</span></b><span lang="EN-US">: Wednesday, August 6, 2025 – 12:00-1:00pm<br>
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Online via Microsoft Teams <br>
<b>Cost</b>: Free<br>
<b>How to Register</b>: Register online: <a href="https://cityofsurrey.perfectmind.com/23615/Clients/BookMe4LandingPages/CoursesLandingPage?widgetId=b4059e75-9755-401f-a7b5-d7c75361420d&redirectedFromEmbededMode=False&courseId=47b222b4-be6f-4e00-b67c-ad5a9b336915">
cityofsurrey.perfectmind.com/</a>(Course ID 00445019)<br>
OR contact the Museum of Surrey: 604-592-6956 | <a href="mailto:museum@surrey.ca">
museum@surrey.ca<br>
</a><br>
<b>More About our Speaker: Ashwani Narwani</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ashwani has had a variety of experiences across the country, bringing a unique perspective with his diverse business and technical background. He completed his MBA at Ivey Business School and has worked in various industries, including
technology and resources. Growing up in Oman, India, and Canada, he has always celebrated Diwali with his family and friends, regardless of his location. Ashwani loves sharing the joy of Diwali and Indian culture with everyone he meets, often sharing pounds
of Mithai (Indian sweets) with coworkers.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In his free time, Ashwani enjoys playing squash, tennis, snowboarding, and spending time with friends and family. Despite his busy schedule, Ashwani always makes time to celebrate Diwali and connect with his roots. He is proud of his Indian
heritage and enjoys sharing his culture with others.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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