All are invited to celebrate Diwali together in Kelowna, at the New Punjab Restaurant and Sweets in Rutland.
Diwali is a multiple-day celebration held annually in the fall, coinciding with the arrival of the new moon. This year, Diwali takes place on Nov. 1, with the lighting of lamps on the evening of Oct. 31.
Also known as the festival of lights, Diwali is celebrated with colours, lights, food, sweet treats and gifts.
Diwali is the largest annual Indian holiday and is celebrated around the world.
An important aspect of celebrating the Festival of Lights is enjoying food and treats with loved ones. New Punjab Sweets and Restaurant has completely filled its store room with fresh hand-made delicacies to help people prepare for the festival.
Piles of colourful sweets like the crowd favourite motichoor ladoo, the silver-adorned kaju katli, and the sweet and sticky gulab jamun along with 47 other varieties of treats fill the brightly decorated shop.
People from all backgrounds and religions are welcome to join in the festivities in Kelowna, said the staff at New Punjab. The shop is opening its doors to all people who want to celebrate and staff are ready to help people who are new to Diwali select sweets.
On Oct. 31, the shop will be handing out free samosas, and chai, and there will be a jalebi-making demonstration.
Don-O-Ray Farms will be hosting a celebration on Nov. 2.