Happy Diwali!
November 10th marks the start of Diwali, the five day festival of lights celebrated by people of the Hindu, Sikh and Jain faiths.
For Hindus, Diwali marks the beginning of the New Year, and is about the return of deities Rama and Sita after 14 years of exile. The festival is known as Bandi Chhor Divas for Sikhs, celebrating the release of the sixth guru Hargobind Singh from prison in 1619. For Jains, it’s about the moment Jainism founder Lord Mahavira reached a state of being known as Moksha, or eternal bliss.
The main festival day of the Diwali celebration will be this Sunday, November 12th. Celebrations include festive gatherings and feasts, and religious rituals and prayers. There are often firework displays, lightshows and ritual candle and lamp lighting.
Observances of Diwali differ depending on region and tradition. Despite the multiple interpretations of the Diwali story, the common thread among them is the victory of good over evil.
Thank you to our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee for educating us about Diwali.