India’s Festival of Lights, known as Diwali, is a unifying celebration that brings together Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists in a triumphant display of unity and the triumph of good over evil. Diwali is a highly significant festival, not only for Hindus but also for people of various faiths across the globe. With over a billion people in India and the diaspora joining in, the festivities span five days of joyous gatherings, dazzling fireworks, sumptuous feasts, and heartfelt prayers.
The term Diwali originates from the word Deepavali, which translates to a row of lights. It is customary for celebrants to light rows of traditional clay oil lamps outside their homes, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. The dates of Diwali are determined by the Hindu lunar calendar and typically fall in late October or early November. This year, Diwali kicks off on November 10th, with the main celebrations taking place on November 12th.
Though Diwali holds deep religious significance for Hindus, it is also observed with great enthusiasm by Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. The origin stories of Diwali vary according to the region, but all narratives revolve around the concept of good triumphing over evil.
In the southern parts of India, Diwali commemorates Lord Krishna’s victorious vanquishing of the demon Naraka, who had imprisoned women and terrorized his subjects. Conversely, in the northern regions, Diwali honors the joyous homecoming of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana, following a 14-year exile in the forest.
The festival is accompanied by a host of unique traditions, each with its regional variations. However, a common thread that unites all Diwali celebrations is the prevalence of lights, fireworks, feasting, new attire, and prayers. Let’s explore some of these fascinating customs:
– In southern India, many individuals partake in an early morning warm oil bath, symbolizing a physical and spiritual purification akin to bathing in the holy River Ganges.
– In the northern regions, worship of the Goddess Lakshmi, who represents wealth and prosperity, takes center stage.
– Gambling finds its place as a popular tradition due to the belief that those who gamble on Diwali night will be blessed with prosperity throughout the following year. Additionally, on the first day of Diwali, known as Dhanteras, many people purchase gold, a gesture regarded as bringing good luck.
Setting off firecrackers is another cherished Diwali tradition, signifying the triumph of light over darkness. The festivities also involve the exchange of sweets and gifts among friends and family. Vibrant rangoli patterns, intricate geometric and floral designs created using colorful powders, adorn the floors during Diwali celebrations.
For Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, Diwali holds its own unique significance:
– Jains observe Diwali as the day when Lord Mahavira, the final great teacher, attained nirvana, symbolizing liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
– Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, a day that coincides with Diwali, to commemorate the release of Guru Hargobind, a revered figure in the faith, who had been imprisoned for 12 years by the Mughal emperor Jahangir.
– Buddhists view this occasion as the day when the Hindu Emperor Ashoka, ruling in the third century B.C., converted to Buddhism.
Diwali, with its transformative aura and message of goodness prevailing over evil, serves as a unifying force among diverse communities. The celebration of unity, compassion, and the pursuit of knowledge holds deep meaning for Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists alike.
