On Sunday, the Innisfil Indian Association held a vibrant Diwali celebration at the Churchill Community Centre, attended by over 100 people. The gathering marked a special moment for the association, founded by Sudeshna Sahu and her husband, Loknatha Swain, as it approaches its one-year anniversary next month. Vic Sundar and Sonia Naik served as the event’s MCs, guiding guests through a series of cultural performances, including singing, traditional and modern dances, and an array of Indian cuisine.

The evening began with a traditional oil lamp lighting ceremony, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. Local leaders, including Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin, Deputy Mayor Kenneth Fowler, Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor James Leduc, Deputy Mayor Raj Sandhu, and South Simcoe Police Chief John Van Dyke, joined the celebration, each expressing their gratitude for the event’s inclusivity and the cultural enrichment it brought to the community.

In her address, Mayor Dollin praised the Innisfil Indian Association for fostering a sense of unity and inclusion in the community. "We have always strived to make everyone feel welcome here," she noted, recognizing the association’s efforts to build bonds across diverse backgrounds. Mayor Leduc and Chief Van Dyke echoed these sentiments, with Leduc emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange and Van Dyke remarking on the strength that diversity brings to the community.

The night concluded with an open dance floor, inviting everyone to join in the festive spirit of Diwali.