By Jaskirat Sahni
Celebrate this
Light
Diwali 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.
28 DIWALI 2020
D
iwali 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
