For Hindus, Diwali is most commonly associated with the story of Rama and Sita and their return from exile after defeating the demon king of Sri Lanka. To help guide Rama and Sita home, people lit oil lamps so they could find they way in the night. Diwali day is celebrated on Amavasa, the 15th day of the dark fortnight (new moon) of the Hindu month Kartika. Kartika falls at the end of October to the start of November. Hindus traditionally celebrate Diwali over 5 days:
Dhan-terash – This is laxmi pujan day. ‘Laxmi’ is the Goddess and the word ‘Pujan’ means worship. It is believed that wealth grows when it is spent for good or worthy causes like giving donations to charities and to needy people.
Kali-Chaudush – This is the Mahakali Pujan day, Mahakali is one of the Goddesses of the Hindu religion. Many years ago there was a demon named Narkasur who harassed people, especially beautiful women, by using his evil spirit. People prayed to Mahakali and asked her for help. Mahakali killed Narkasur on this day and everybody was very happy.
Diwali – Diwali means festival of lights. It celebrates the homecoming of Lord Rama after the 14 years exile. On that night, people set our dozens of lamps…shallow clay bowls with a cotton wick floating in oil. The lamps outline the whole house, running along the edge of the roof, on window sill on steps and down paths. When they are lighted, the village like a fairyland. People also burn fire crackers at night and draw various designs in front of their houses and fill these designs with different coloured powders. This is a day for people to forget Enmity, revenge, jealousy and bitterness, instead show faith and enthusiasm for each other.
New Year – According to the Hindu calendar, this is a day for people to meet and greet each other by offering different kinds of sweets. They forget enmity and wish each other well.
Bhai Beej – This is the day which is celebrated by sisters inviting their brothers to their home for dinner. Brothers bring gifts and good wishes with blessing for their sisters.
Sikhism - Bandhi Chhorr Divas
Sikhs celebrate Diwali to commemorate the release of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, and 52 Hindu Rajas (Kings) from imprisonment.
Guru Hargobind Ji was held for 40 days at the Gwalior Fortress along with 52 Rajas, who had been deprived of their kingdoms and were being badly treated. Seeing this, Guru Hargobind Ji shared all of his rations with the Hindu Rajas and survived on very little himself.
When the time came for his release, Guru Hargobind Ji refused to leave on his own, stating that he would only leave if the 52 Rajas were also set free. After being told that only those who could hold onto the Guru Hargobind Ji’s robe would be released, he had a special robe made with 52 Khalia (tapers), so that each of the Rajas could walk free with him.
Diwali day coincides with the release of Guru Hargobind Ji and the Hindu Rajas. After this, Guru Hargobind Ji was named ‘Bandhi Chhorr’, the deliverer of prisoners. In India, Sikhs celebrate by lighting candles on the Sarowar – the sacred water which surrounds Amritsar (Golden Temple). This tradition continues today out of love and respect for the Guru Hargobind Ji.
Jainism
Jainism, one of India’s most ancient religions, attempts to explain the meaning of life and the purpose of existence. The religion’s teachings are based on non-violence and non-materialism. Diwali marks the anniversary of the attainment of Moksha, the final liberation of the soul from the cycle of death and rebirth, by Lord Mahavir. On this day, Jains celebrate this permanent happiness of the soul and remember Lord Mahavir’s last sermon on Diwali day, before his soul left his body and was liberated.
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