Re: Letter writer Jennifer Dorey’s, “Diwali: Festival of ‘war’, ” (The Leader, Nov. 15).
This is obviously not the first year that Diwali has been celebrated in this city.
We also have big celebrations such as the Fusion Festival, Vaisakhi parade, etc. I wonder if she was bothered by all that hoopla.
Her opinion of Diwali borders on distastefulness and some poor knowledge about the vast colourful cross-section the population.
We all celebrate Christmas, Remembrance Day, etc. with equal enthusiasm, and do not call the police just because my neighbour is having a noisy Christmas party.
Rupi Mittal
Firecrackers are the problem
I would like to just add my two cents about the Diwali fireworks versus Halloween fireworks discussion. In Newton where I live, it was really the firecrackers (not the nicer, more gentle fireworks) we heard on both occasions, but most certainly there were more during Diwali.
In fact, one of my sons even said just that to me.
My dog does not like firecrackers and reacts to them much as he does to thunder – he paces the house looking for a place that he can feel safe.
It was very upsetting for him, but certainly more on Diwali, as there were so many more and they went on so much longer.
Firecrackers are the issue, not fireworks.
Carol MacDonald
Enjoy the celebration
Re: Letter writer Jennifer Dorey’s comment, “Diwali: Festival of ‘war’, ” The Leader, Nov. 15.
Diwali is the festival of lights and a day of victory of good over evil.
Since Dorey has associated fireworks with “war,” I guess Halloween is a festival of war too, together with Canada Day and New Year’s Eve.
Diwali is celebrated throughout the world and enjoyed by every ethnic group.
As for her thoughts on illegal suites, they are called “affordable accommodation” for majority of the low-income earning population.
Surendra Singh