The City of Edmonton has partnered with a South Asian community group to remind Diwali celebrators that fireworks in the hands of amateurs can be dangerous, but holiday celebrations can be beautiful. The Sifarish Network is helping build a communal celebration, complete with an elaborate fireworks display, at Mill Woods Park Sunday night. It is the only city sanctioned fireworks display happening that night. Without an appropriate permit, those who set off fireworks within city limits risk a fine of up to $10,000 and charges. The network’s co-chair Raj Malhotra says his group reached out to the city after fireworks lit around this time last year caused problems. Last year, a Mill Woods home caught fire after it was struck by illegal fireworks during Diwali. Three people were charged with arson. “We (figured) we need to put it in a central place where people can enjoy fireworks safely,” he told CTV News Edmonton. Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, is widely celebrated as the largest religious and cultural festival in South Asia. In Hindu culture, the holiday, which usually falls sometime between October and November depending on the lunar calendar, celebrates the return of the deity Prince Rama to Ayodhya, typically with lights and fireworks to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. Sifarish network co-founder Sunny Kakar says South Asians in Edmonton “want to carry on those traditions and share them with our fellow neighbours.” “We’re really hoping this gathering takes out some of the negativity and the angst around the celebration of Diwali,” he said. “It brings people together to learn what it’s about and celebrate and enjoy some great fireworks. We’re hoping it’s something great for the City of Edmonton, that we can do year over year.” Everyone is welcome to the Mill Woods Park gathering, which will begin at 5 p.m. with fireworks starting at 8:30 p.m. Admission is free. There will be food trucks, dancing and singing as well as fire pits around the area. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Curtis Goodrum
