Brampton’s annual Diwali Mela returns this weekend with an evening of live music, cultural performances, food and family activities, capped by a fireworks display and a spectacular drone show.
The free celebration takes place Sunday (Nov. 8) at Sesquicentennial Park, bringing thousands of residents together to mark Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights.
One of the evening’s biggest attractions will be a headline performance by renowned Punjabi singer Sukhshinder Shinda. Vandana Kaur will open the main stage entertainment, with a lineup of cultural performers representing a variety of South Asian musical and dance traditions.
Visitors can expect Bhangra, Gidda, Kathak and Garba performances, along with classical dance, dhol drumming and other live entertainment throughout the evening.
There will also be food vendors, family-friendly activities and plenty of opportunities to experience the traditions and celebrations associated with Diwali.
The evening’s festivities will include two major displays in the sky. A fireworks show is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., followed by a drone show at 8:15 p.m. Both displays are weather permitting.
The event runs from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Sesquicentennial Park, located at 11333 Bramalea Rd.
Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists and symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. The occasion is marked by lighting traditional lamps known as diyas, decorating homes with colourful rangolis, sharing meals and exchanging gifts. It also coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, observed by Sikhs.
Getting to the event
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Anyone planning to attend should allow extra time to get to the park, as on-site parking will be extremely limited.
The City of Brampton is encouraging visitors to use free Brampton Transit shuttle buses operating from four locations: Mount Pleasant GO Station, Sheridan College, Gore Meadows Community Centre and Brampton Soccer Centre.
Shuttles will run to the park approximately every 30 minutes between 3:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., with return service operating from 4:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
Temporary road closures will also be in effect Sunday from 2 p.m. until 11:55 p.m. They include Claremont Drive between Bramalea Road and Tetley Road, Countryside Drive between Bramalea Road and Sunny Meadow Boulevard, and the westbound lanes of Countryside Drive between Sunny Meadow Boulevard and Moldvan Drive.
The City is also reminding residents that Brampton’s ban on personal fireworks remains in effect. Fireworks cannot be purchased, possessed, sold, displayed or discharged by individuals, and violators face fines starting at $500. Sparklers are also not permitted at the Diwali Mela.
The city’s official celebration provides residents with an opportunity to enjoy the holiday’s fireworks and entertainment in a safe, family-friendly setting.
More information about the event, shuttle service and road closures is available at brampton.ca/diwali.
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