The Festival of Lights
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals in India and other countries with significant Hindu populations. The festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It lasts for five days and involves various customs and traditions, such as lighting diyas (oil lamps), decorating homes with rangolis (colorful patterns), exchanging sweets and gifts, and bursting firecrackers.
Hindus: The Primary Observers
Hindus are the primary observers of Diwali, as they consider it a significant religious and cultural festival. The festival marks the homecoming of Lord Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana, after his fourteen-year-long exile and victory over the demon king Ravana. Hindus also associate Diwali with the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi, and perform special pujas (worship) to seek her blessings. Moreover, some Hindus in South India celebrate Diwali as the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura.
Sikhs: Celebrating Bandi Chhor Divas
Sikhs celebrate Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas, which means the day of release of prisoners. It commemorates the release of the sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind, and 52 other political prisoners from Mughal Emperor Jahangir’s jail in 1619. Sikhs light lamps and candles at the Golden Temple in Amritsar and other gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship) to mark the occasion. They also perform kirtans (devotional songs) and share sweets with each other.
Jains: Marking the Nirvana of Lord Mahavira
Jains celebrate Diwali as the day of Lord Mahavira’s nirvana (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). Lord Mahavira was the last and most prominent Jain Tirthankara (enlightened teacher) who preached non-violence, truth, and compassion. Jains light lamps and offer prayers to Lord Mahavira and other Tirthankaras. They also perform samayik (meditation), pratikraman (confession and repentance), and distribute sweets and food to the needy.
Buddhists: Honoring Emperor Ashoka’s Conversion
Some Buddhists celebrate Diwali as the day Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty embraced Buddhism after witnessing the horrors of war. Ashoka became a patron of Buddhism and spread its teachings across India and other parts of Asia. Buddhists light lamps and recite Pali scriptures to honor the Buddha’s teachings and Ashoka’s contribution to Buddhism. They also offer alms to monks and practice meditation.
Arya Samaj: Recognizing the Day of Swami Dayanand
Arya Samaj, a Hindu reformist movement founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, celebrates Diwali as the day of Swami Dayanand’s birth anniversary. Swami Dayanand advocated the Vedas as the ultimate source of knowledge and criticized superstitions and religious dogmas. Arya Samajis perform havan (sacred fire ceremony), recite Vedic mantras, and distribute prasad (blessed food) on Diwali.
Newar Buddhists: Commemorating the Nepal Sambat
Newar Buddhists, a community in Nepal, celebrate Diwali as the day of Nepal Sambat, their traditional New Year. Nepal Sambat was started by a merchant named Sankhadhar Sakhwa in the 9th century and is based on the lunar calendar. Newars light lamps, decorate their homes with flowers and garlands, and perform special pujas to their ancestors and deities. They also organize processions and cultural events.
Sindhis: Observing the Arrival of Jhulelal
Sindhis, a community in India and Pakistan, observe Diwali as the day of Jhulelal’s arrival. Jhulelal is a saint and a river deity who is revered by both Hindus and Muslims in Sindh. According to legend, Jhulelal saved the Sindhis from a tyrant king and taught them the values of peace and harmony. Sindhis light lamps, offer prayers to Jhulelal, and perform aarti (devotional song) on Diwali.
Bengalis: Celebrating Kali Puja and Diwali
Bengalis celebrate Diwali as well as Kali Puja, the worship of the goddess Kali, who symbolizes power and destruction. Kali Puja is usually held on the night of Diwali and involves the chanting of mantras, the offering of sweets, and the lighting of lamps. Bengalis also make elaborate rangolis and decorate their homes with lights and flowers.
Mauritians: Honoring Ancestors and Deities
Mauritians, a multi-ethnic and multi-religious community, celebrate Diwali as a national holiday and a symbol of their cultural unity. Mauritians of Indian origin perform pujas to their ancestors and Hindu deities at home and in the temples. They also decorate their homes with lights and rangolis and prepare traditional sweets and dishes. Mauritians of other communities join the celebrations and share the festive spirit.
Fijians: Maintaining Cultural and Religious Traditions
Fijians of Indian origin celebrate Diwali as a day of cultural and religious significance. They light diyas, make rangolis, and perform pujas to their deities and ancestors. They also visit their relatives and friends, exchange sweets and gifts, and burst firecrackers. Fijians of other communities respect and participate in the celebrations, which reflect the diversity and harmony of Fiji’s society.
Conclusion: A Diverse Festival of Unity and Celebration
In conclusion, Diwali is a vibrant and diverse festival that reflects the rich cultural and religious heritage of India and other countries. The festival has different meanings and customs for different groups of individuals, but it also promotes unity, harmony, and joy. Diwali is a time to light up our lives with positivity, love, and compassion and to celebrate our diversity as a source of strength and beauty.
