By: Dr Avi Verma

Hindu Canadians will gather at Parliament Hill on Sunday, November 1, for the National Hindu Heritage Month Flag-Hoisting Ceremony, continuing a tradition initiated in 2022 to recognize Hindu heritage and the community’s contributions to Canada.

Organized by the Hindu Community in Ottawa Foundation (HCO), the ceremony will take place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. near the Centennial Flame. Organizers describe it as Canada’s only national Hindu heritage flag-hoisting ceremony held at Parliament Hill.

The annual gathering celebrates Hinduism’s rich history, cultural traditions and contributions to Canada’s social, economic, cultural and civic life. It also highlights shared Canadian values of diversity, inclusion, peace and mutual respect.

The tradition began on November 1, 2022, when then-Member of Parliament Chandra Arya initiated the Hindu Heritage Month flag-hoisting ceremony at Parliament Hill. Following his departure from politics, the Hindu Community in Ottawa Foundation has continued organizing the annual event to maintain the tradition and bring the community together.

Canada’s recognition of Hindu Heritage Month followed the House of Commons’ adoption of Motion M-42 in May 2022, supporting the designation of November as Hindu Heritage Month. The first official observance took place in November 2022, providing an opportunity to recognize the history, traditions and contributions of Hindu Canadians.

The November 1 ceremony will bring together community members and families to celebrate their heritage while reaffirming their connection to Canada. Organizers are encouraging Hindu Canadians and their friends to attend and participate in the event.

The gathering’s message, “Our Heritage. Our Pride. Our Canada!” reflects the organizers’ emphasis on preserving cultural identity while contributing to the country’s multicultural fabric. The House of Commons approved Motion M-42 on September 28, 2022, rather than in May; the motion was introduced and debated in May. The first flag-hoisting ceremony at Parliament Hill took place on November 1, 2022, initiated by Chandra Arya. 

Event details: Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., near the Centennial Flame, Parliament Hill, Ottawa.