3 minute read
Celebrate Light this Diwali
By Jaskirat Sahni
Celebrate thisLight Diwali
Diwali is most commonly known as “The Festival of Lights” by people all across the globe, yet often the reasoning behind the significance of lights at this time of year is unknown by many. Various cultures and religions come together to celebrate this auspicious festival in their own unique ways, but the use of light is common to all, as it is considered to be a way to eradicate the world of darkness and despair. Let us now embark on a cultural journey, where Diwali serves a different purpose and reason to celebrate this light festival.
In the Sikh religion, Diwali marks the day the religion’s sixth guru, Guru Hargobind Singh Ji, and 52 other kings were released from prison. Guru Hargobind Ji was able to devise a clever scheme in which all 52 kings could grab hold of his cloak, in order to be freed, as ordered by the emperor who had imprisoned them. Once Sikhs learned of the incredible feat, the Golden Temple was lit up with many lights and candles to welcome them back, and that soon turned into a tradition still celebrated today. Each year, not just the Golden Temple is decorated in lights, but Sikh temples around the world do their part to bring in extra light on Diwali, and remember the auspicious day which signified freedom back in the year 1619.
In the Hindu religion, Diwali surprisingly has more than just one purpose for celebrating it. In West Bengal, Odisha and Bangladesh, for instance, those who are avid worshippers of the goddess Durga celebrate Diwali as a way of welcoming Maa Kali, which is the goddess’ avatar. These festivities continue for three days, and people bring sculptures of the goddess Durga to their homes and nearby temples, where offerings of flowers, sweets, food and sacrificed animals are made. In West Bengal, these prayers and offerings are often made at night
in cremation grounds, and run until dawn.
A huge population of Indians use Diwali as a time to celebrate the goddess Lakshmi, who is the goddess of wealth. In order to receive her blessings, along with good health and wealth for the year, families work hard to clean and decorate their homes in preparation for her arrival. Family and friends like to get together on the evening of Diwali, so that they can open their homes and light candles time – nine days! Since many Indians were forced to become slaves and move to Trinidad in the 19th century, Diwali marks a time they celebrate their independence and freedom. Diwali has also been turned into a national holiday in Trinidad, and is known as ‘Divali’, the celebration of good winning over evil, and spiritual darkness being eradicated. Thus, it is celebrated in nearly every household, and not just as a religious holiday.
When we think of light, we automatically think of its brightness, and how it brings a sense of joy or comfort which makes us happy. Similarly, during Diwali, people light many candles, fireworks and lanterns to spread the feeling of joy they get when they celebrate the happy festivities of the occasion. As this tradition continues, take time to spend it with loved ones and also remember the deep historic roots which encourage us to bring more light into our world on this special day.
or ‘diyas’, waiting for the goddess to arrive. Sweets are exchanged amongst families, and once prayers are offered, fireworks light up the night skies in every neighbourhood. Constellations and stars also have a significance in determining the timing of the Lakshmi Puja, so people look out for constellations such as Libra that night, which symbolizes balance and stability.
In Trinidad, Diwali is celebrated for the longest
