Description
A joyous five-day festival of feasts, music and light, Diwali is a deeply cherished tradition for over 1.2 million Indo-Canadians. This 99.99% pure gold coin presents a stunning artistic representation of the Festival of Lights as a reflection of Canada’s thriving multiculturalism; with its overarching theme of goodness and joyous festivities, Diwali is truly a heart-warming celebration—and Canada’s cultural landscape is richer for its inclusion! Mintage is limited to 275 coins. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
The reverse design by Canadian artist Meera Sethi is inspired by the colourful Indian folk art of Rangoli, which traditionally adorns entrances and floors during Diwali. Within the geometric and floral-inspired pattern lie numerous cultural symbols that represent the “Festival of Lights” as a cherished multi-ethnic celebration—one that is very much at home in Canada, where it is celebrated by Indo-Canadians across the country. Roughly 51% of Indo-Canadians reside in the Greater Toronto Area, while Vancouver is home to Canada’s second-largest population; these important communities are represented by each province’s official floral emblem: the trillium and the Pacific dogwood, respectively. Key spiritual symbols—such as those associated with Sikhism and Jainism—surround a ring of clay diya, which light up homes and hearts during Diwali. The most widely known Canadian symbol, the beloved maple leaf, forms an inner ring around the sacred symbol “OM”—that eternal sound of creation—which is positioned in the centre to release spiritual energy in all directions. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
