Diwali Greetings From Canada's Justin Trudeau, Wearing A Sherwani

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to social media, just a couple of hours before writing this, to wish those celebrating a Happy Diwali. Mr Trudeau posted a photo of him lighting a ceremonial lamp during celebrations in the city of Ottawa, as Indian High Commissioner Vikas Swarup and members of the Indian diaspora looked on. But it's his choice of greeting that has a few people on social media riled up.

"Diwali Mubarak!" wrote the Canadian politician in photos posted on Twitter and Facebook. "We're celebrating in Ottawa tonight. #HappyDiwali!" 
 

Diwali Mubarak! We're celebrating in Ottawa tonight. #HappyDiwali! pic.twitter.com/HBFlQUBhWX

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 17, 2017

Mr Trudeau, photographed wearing a black sherwani, was immediately corrected by some on social media:
 

It's not "Diwali Mubarak", it's "Diwali Ki Badhai" ... Correct it ..

— Bhavesh K Pandey (@bhaveshkpandey) October 17, 2017

 

Word to the wise : It's "Shubh-Deepavali", (Auspicious Deepavali), and NOT "Diwali Mubarak". "Mubarak" is Arabic, not Indian. @CanadainIndia

— Truthsayer (@a_truthsayer) October 17, 2017

 

PM Justin, thanks for the Deepavali Greetings. Confirm w. @CanadainIndia, please amend your tweet. Nobody, but nobody, says "Diwali Mubarak"

— Truthsayer (@a_truthsayer) October 17, 2017

 

Thank you, Mr.PM. Its good to hear from a global icon. But it's either 'subh deewali' (Hindhi) or  deepavali Vazhthukal(Tamil).

— Abinayah Raguraam (@AbinayahR) October 17, 2017

Others were quick to dismiss what they saw as unnecessary criticism:
 

You are awesome. Not sure why ppl getting offended by "Mubarak" Respect the sentiments behind, Mubarak just an Arabic word for blessing

— Shaan (@Shanyousaf6) October 17, 2017

 

Mubarak is Urdu word and badhai is Hindi/Punjabi , they both mean the same. Give some cushion to a westerner ffs.

— Eye of tiger (@Aqal_k_dushman) October 17, 2017

Most, however, appreciated the Canadian politician's gesture and returned the greeting:
 

Aapko bhi Diwali Mubarak! pic.twitter.com/P7sxmH1xKB

— ManojVerma (@mjmanojmanoj) October 17, 2017

 

Thanks PM Trudeau and Diwali Mubarak to you too!!!

— Shiraz Khan (@itzShiraz) October 17, 2017

 

Aww... It feels so good when ppl other than your countrymen understand the importance of Diwali.. Diwali Mubarak..

— Vaishnavi Gaur (@vaishnavigaur1) October 17, 2017

 

It is these moments of multicultural respect and dignity that makes me proud to be #Canadian.

— Francis Janes (@seattlechef) October 17, 2017

Here are some more pictures from the Diwali celebrations in Ottawa:
 

It was great to catch up with Ministers @NavdeepSBains @HarjitSajjan @SohiAmarjeet @CQualtro & @BardishKW pic.twitter.com/63sfWtnHZs

— Vikas Swarup (@VikasSwarup) October 17, 2017

 

A highlight was the Ottawa unveiling of the joint India Canada stamps on Diwali with @canadapostcorp CEO DeepakChopra & 5 Canadian Ministers pic.twitter.com/9soJXyejBM

— Vikas Swarup (@VikasSwarup) October 17, 2017

 

But the biggest highlight was the presence of Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau Always a pleasure to see him & he is always in fab Indian attire pic.twitter.com/jHVlTqmSyZ

- Vikas Swarup (@VikasSwarup) October 17, 2017

Diwali, or Deepavali, is the Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is traditionally celebrated by lighting diyas and candles, praying to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh and meeting family and friends to exchange Diwali greetings and gifts. The festival of Diwali will be celebrated on October 19 this year. 

The Canadian PM routinely takes to social media to celebrate different cultures and faiths. 

Earlier this year, Mr Trudeau wished everyone on Eid Al-Fitr. He also offered Vaisakhi greetings in Punjabi and greeted Tamils all over the world on Pongal.

He has been spotted at least twice before in kurtas as well.