Cambridge temple says parking ban throws wrench in Diwali festivities [Video]

Thursday marks one of the biggest days on the Hindu calendar, with Diwali bringing in millions of people together in worship and celebration.

But a Cambridge temple says a parking ban has thrown a wrench in its celebration plans.

City staff say because Halloween and Diwali fall on the same day, the parking bans were aimed at increasing public safety by limiting crowds.

The president of the Radha Krishna Mandir & Cultural Centre say this is the first time he’s celebrated Diwali on the same day as Halloween, and that the parking ban will seriously impact this year’s turnout.

“I just want to have people come, get their blessings and leave,” said Dwarka Persaud, the temple’s president.

The temple has been celebrating Diwali on Old Mill Road since 1990. Each year, the festival draws in worshippers from as far as Guelph – but perhaps not this year.

The parking ban …