The Cold Lake Multicultural Association had a somewhat toned-down Diwali celebration this year, but with online programming and a massive effort to get delicious Indian food out to people, they managed to involve much of the Cold Lake community.
Diwali is a five-day Festival of Light celebrated by Hindu, Sikh, and Jain adherents. It is also enjoyed by Indians of all faiths around the world as a cultural celebration.
Last year, a huge crowd attended the event at the Cold Lake Energy Centre. With large gatherings not possible this year, the association presented an entertaining program online and served up food for pickup and delivery.
Two hundred sixty-five servings of butter chicken (or vegetarian alternative), cumin rice, spinach salad, naan (a flatbread), and rice pudding were prepared by Apna Punjab in Edmonton and packed and delivered by local volunteers.
Kunal Jadav of Lakeland Multicultural Association says the group is happy with the event, and is looking forward to its next projects.
“We are looking at doing some things around the Multiculturalism Day and trying to do a few things around celebrating major festivals such as Ramadan, Chinese New Year and stuff like that that doesn’t necessarily get celebrated,” he said.
“Also I’m trying to reach out to the local schools and daycares to incorporate understanding of different cultures in early childhood so the kids can grow up to be global citizens.”
