Calgary's Desi Community Unites Against Crime and Celebrates Faith This Season
Calgary's South Asian community has been making its voice heard this season, both in demanding safety and in joyfully upholding cherished spiritual traditions. These stories reflect a community that is resilient, engaged, and deeply rooted in its faith.
🛡️ Sikh Community Calls for Action on Extortion at Calgary Town Hall
Members of Calgary's South Asian community gathered at the Venice Banquet Hall in northeast Calgary for a town hall focused on rising concerns about extortion, organized crime, and violence targeting the Sikh community. The event was hosted by the World Sikh Organization of Canada, the Sikh Federation, and the Dashmesh Culture Centre, and was attended by provincial and federal elected officials. Alberta's regional president for the World Sikh Organization described the situation as criminals 'terrorizing the community,' noting that nearly everyone present knew someone directly affected. The Calgary event was part of a broader series of town halls held across Canada, including in Brampton and Surrey. Provincial officials indicated plans to launch a cybercrime task force in response to community concerns. [3]
🪔 BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Marks Diwali and Annakut in Calgary
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha held its annual Diwali and Annakut Celebration in Calgary, bringing together devotees to observe two of the most significant festivals in the Swaminarayan tradition. Diwali, the festival of lights, and Annakut, a celebration of gratitude through an elaborate offering of food to the divine, are central events in the BAPS calendar observed at centres across the global network. The Calgary gathering reflects the organization's longstanding presence in the city and its role as a spiritual anchor for the local Hindu community. BAPS operates within a worldwide network spanning North America, India, the UK, Africa, and the Asia Pacific region, with each centre observing these festivals in keeping with shared spiritual practices. [1]
Sources: [3] CBC · [1] BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha