Softening his tone while asserting that his government was committed to building closer ties with India, after claiming that Indian agents were behind the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday extended his wishes to the Hindu community on the occasion of the Navratras.
PM Trudeau posted from his official handle, “Happy Navratri! I’m sending my warmest wishes to members of the Hindu community and all those who are celebrating this festival.
An official press statement released by the Canadian PM said that over the next nine nights and 10 days, members of the Hindu community in Canada and around the world will gather to celebrate Navratri.
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,” the statement quoted the Canadian PM as saying further.
Amid ongoing controversy surrounding allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extended warm wishes to the Hindu community on the occasion of Navratri, emphasizing his government’s commitment to strengthening ties with India.
In a notable shift in his stance, Trudeau took to his official social media handle to express his Navratri greetings, saying, “Happy Navratri! I’m sending my warmest wishes to members of the Hindu community and all those who are celebrating this festival.”
This gesture comes after Trudeau’s recent claims that Indian agents were involved in the Nijjar killing, leading to diplomatic tensions between the two nations. The Canadian PM’s Navratri message appears to be a diplomatic effort to mend relations and promote multicultural harmony.
A press statement issued by the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office highlighted the significance of Navratri in the Hindu faith and underscored the celebration’s role in uniting the Hindu community in Canada and around the world.
“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 honor century-old traditions with prayers, joyous performances, special meals, and fireworks,” the statement quoted Prime Minister Trudeau as saying.
Trudeau’s Navratri greetings serve as a reminder of the multicultural fabric of Canada and its commitment to celebrating various cultural and religious festivals, despite recent challenges in its international relations. The message reflects an effort to bridge differences and foster understanding among communities, even in the face of diplomatic controversies.