Waterloo Region — The Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum is pleased to see the return of the Bespoke Diwali Marketplace on November 7. This year’s marketplace features carefully curated vendors of jewelry, fashion, home decor, food, signature teas, wellness products, and more. Visitors can also enjoy Bollywood dance entertainment, including  performances by singer Nitin Sharma and the Vidhyalaya Dance Space. Families can also enjoy a kid’s corner with treats, crafts, and a photo area.

Admission at this yearly tradition is free and includes access to the museum galleries.

Diwali, also known as the ‘festival of lights’, is celebrated through the month of November and beyond. Widely observed among more than a billion people from a variety of faiths across India and its diaspora, Diwali originated on the Indian subcontinent and transcends religious and cultural lines in symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. For some, Diwali is also the beginning of a new year.  This is a time for the community to come together in prayer, charitable giving, fellowship and feasting, family gatherings, and lighting candles or clay oil lamps called “diyas”.

“This annual Diwali celebration is another great example of what happens when our community comes together to celebrate the diversity and unity that makes Waterloo Region so unique,” said Karen Redman, Regional Chair. “Events like these reinforce our commitment to building a welcoming community and celebrating the important traditions of all residents.”

This year’s event promises new vendors, entertainment, and activities for the whole family. Once again curated by mental health advocate and wellness expert Iman Grewal, the Bespoke Diwali Marketplace is an opportunity to showcase the culture of the South-Asian community in Waterloo Region.

“I am extremely grateful to the Region of Waterloo Museums and Archives team for their commitment to diverse programming,” said Iman Grewal, event curator. “As a person of colour, and curator, it is my continued commitment and mission to create spaces for diverse communities that represent diverse voices. This is what drives my passion for this important work which is deeply rooted in seva (selfless service)”.

The Bespoke Diwali Marketplace opens November 7 at 10 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. 

To learn more, visit Regionofwaterloomuseums.ca/diwali2026.

Bespoke Diwali Marketplace vendors include:

We invite residents and media to join this free event centered around community, connection, and celebration. 

What: Bespoke Diwali Marketplace Official Opening (Free Admission)

When: Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Opening remarks at 10:30 a.m.)

Who:  Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament Waterloo
              Pam Wolf, Councillor, Region of Waterloo
              Iman Grewal, Diwali Event Curator
              Emily Jolliffe, Head of Programming, Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum and Doon 
              Heritage Village (emcee)

Where: Doon Heritage Village, 10 Huron Road, Kitchener, Ontario, N2P 2R7

Parking: Ample parking available in the museum’s main lot.

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