October 24th - 29th, Indians around the world are celebrating the Diwali Festival to recognize the triumph of light over darkness and good versus evil.

On Saturday night, the Pembina Valley Indian Society held their event at the Morden Access Event Centre, opening the function to all people in the Pembina Valley.

The program began with the singing of the Canadian and Indian National Anthems followed by the lighting of the Diwali candles, dancing entertainment and greetings from Winkler-Morden MLA Cameron Friesen, Winkler Mayor Martin Harder and Morden Immigration's Shelly Voth.  Rajesh Parekh explained Diwali's meaning and Dr Adeshnee Pather facilitated the evening filled with fun, games and prizes.  

The Pembina Valley Indian Society celebrated the Indian involvement in the Morden Lions Club with District Vice Governor Lion Shannon Dueck addressing the crowd and thanking them for giving back to their community.

Lions Shannon Dueck and Roaring Morden Lion President Sachin JainDistrict Vice Governor Lion Shannon Dueck and Roaring Morden Lion President Sachin Jain

Guests then headed outside for fireworks, then back inside for a feast of an array of Indian food and a dance.

Non-Indian guests came to learn and enjoy an evening doing something new.  Indian guests were happy to be together celebrating their culture, with many remarking the significance of it only happening once a year!