The organizer of a Diwali gala in Yellowknife is bringing it back for 2026 after cancelling last year’s event over concerns about racism in the community, particularly online.
In 2025, Priyanka Sharma told Cabin Radio the gala for the Hindu festival of lights – which attracted hundreds of attendees in previous years – would not go ahead because racism had reached a “peak.”
In an interview this week, Sharma said the gala returns on October 31, 2026 with the help of immense community support.
“Yellowknife has always been supportive and people continue to show that, even when negative comments appear online – you will often see many more people responding with kindness and support,” Sharma said.
“This is now better, far better, than last year.”
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She said some friends of hers in front-line jobs in the city had backed up her impression that things were improving.
“I’m very grateful for this,” said Sharma.
“People were asking if we were going to do Diwali this year and I was like, ‘Oh, of course,’ because I promised that [in last year’s article]: ‘If things go well, we will be back.’ And that’s why we are here today.”
The 2026 Diwali Gala takes place at the Co-Cathedral of St Patrick – 5206 52 Street – from 6:30-11pm on October 31, with Bollywood dance performances, a three-course meal featuring Indian vegetarian food, games and a “mega door prize.”
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Tickets are $15 via e-transfer. Children aged 10 and under enter for free. Bluebell Eatery, ECEN Immigration and Shane Bennett are sponsors.
All are welcome. Noting that this year’s gala is on Halloween, Sharma said you can wear your outfit, too.
“It’s going to be more fun if people come with their outfits,” she said. “We can celebrate Diwali and Halloween together.”
