Description
Diwali is the most important holiday in India. It’s a New Year’s celebration that is also known as the “Festival of Lights,” and is celebrated by millions of people every year. The notion of light triumphing over dark is incredibly symbolic; so universal that it has inspired cultures around the world for centuries. But Diwali is more than a single flame; it fills homes, streets—and hearts!—with light. Diwali revelers are an incredibly diverse ethno-cultural group. Hindu, Sikh, Jain… every faith has its own Diwali legends, but the unifying thread is always a celebration of good triumphing over evil. Mintage is limited to 275 coins worldwide. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
East and West come together in this stunning design by Canadian artist Sarindar Dhaliwal that celebrates Diwali with elaborate patterns that typify Indian textiles, ornamentation and mandalas. A Diya (clay lamp) at the coin’s centre reflects the essence of the Festival of Lights while symbols from the Hindu, Sikh and Jain faiths form a series of rings around it. The outermost ring is inspired by an inlay from the Taj Mahal but consists of Canadian symbols. Trilliums and Pacific dogwood blossoms represent the cities of Toronto (Ontario) and Vancouver (British Columbia) where the nation’s largest populations of Indo-Canadians reside. Canada’s national symbol, the maple leaf, is also present. Maple trees deliver one of the most brilliant displays in autumn, which is a novel delight for many new immigrants to Canada. The maple’s changing colour announces the coming dark days of winter, and in its own way, symbolizes the interplay between light and dark that is the essence of Diwali.
A unique and upscale collectible that will make an outstanding gift during the most cherished of Indian celebrations.
