Hindus' 'Invaluable Contributions To Canada...': Trudeau's Navratri Greetings Amid Row With India

PM Trudeau described the festival as an occassion to learn about the culture of Hindu communities and an opportunity to appreciate their contributions to Canada.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Source : Getty

On the occasion of the Navratras, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered his best wishes to the Hindu community. "Happy Navratri!" Justin Trudeau said on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.  "I'm sending my warmest wishes to members of the Hindu community and all those who are celebrating this festival," he further stated.

"Navratri is one of the most important and sacred festivals in the Hindu faith, commemorating the victory of the goddess Durga over the buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura and the triumph of good over evil. Often seen as a celebration of feminine energy, it is a time for friends and family to come together and honour century-old traditions with prayers, joyous performances, special meals, and fireworks," Canadian PM's official statement reads. 

Happy Navratri! I’m sending my warmest wishes to members of the Hindu community and all those who are celebrating this festival. https://t.co/ISCjvJqnKJ

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 15, 2023

Describing the festival as an occassion to learn about the culture of Hindu communities and an opportunity to appreciate their contributions to Canada, PM Trudeau stated: “For all Canadians, Navratri also offers an opportunity to learn more about the rich history and culture of Hindu communities and to recognize their invaluable contributions to Canada's social, cultural, and economic fabric. Today's celebrations remind us that diversity is one of Canada's greatest strengths. On behalf of my family and the Government of Canada, I extend my best wishes to everyone celebrating Navratri this year.” 

This comes after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau informed his country's parliament that his government has cause to suspect that Indian operatives were involved in the execution of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India dismissed the charges as "absurd" and "motivated."

Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, was slain on June 18 near a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia.