'Sweets, fireworks, and family': What does Diwali mean to you?
The five-day festival of lights began Thursday
Hundreds of Enver Secondary School students in Surrey, B.C., poured into the hallways during lunch time to kick off Diwali celebrations on Thursday.
The five-day festival of light is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains around the world.
"Best thing about Diwali is that it doesn't have any discrimination, all the Indians get together and celebrate it," said Zuben Bala.
The event was organized by the school's student council to teach all students about the celebration.
"A lot of youngsters are forgetting it. Out here, parents go to work and also maybe some people can't celebrate at home," said Bala.
Grade 11 student Manjot Sanghere was one of several students to perform at the event. Sanghere danced a traditional Bhangra number.
"It was a bit scary, I was not ready at all," she said.
Sanghere said it was important to showcase her culture. "I feel that a lot of people are, I can't say embarrassed, but are just too shy to embrace their own culture and show it off.
"You should be proud of who you are and never shy away from your culture."
The five-days of Diwali celebrations will continue throughout the week.
Students told us what Diwali means to them:
