Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wished Hindu Canadians on Thursday on the first day of Navratri.
"Tonight, Hindu communities across Canada and indeed around the world will open the festival of Navratri, marking the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness," he said in a statement, where he added that for those celebrating, the "next nine nights will see families and friends come together in prayer, music and spending time with loved ones."
Describing Hindu Canadians as an integral part of Canada, Trudeau said: "Their festivals and celebrations, like Navratri, are also our festivals. The joy, celebration, and diversity that Hindu Canadians exemplify makes us stronger as a country."
"As we celebrate Navratri, on behalf of the Government of Canada, I offer warmest wishes to everyone wishing each other well on these festivals for happiness and prosperity," he added.
Hinduism is the third-largest religion in Canada with some 2.3 percent of Canada's overall population identifying as Hindu in the 2021 census.
The country has one of the largest Indian Diasporas in the world that comprises more than 4 percent of Canada's total population.
Read also| UNSC Members Unite in Support of Guterres After Israel Labels Him 'Persona Non Grata'
