Inderjeet S Bhatia”Prince
Diwali, often called the Festival of Lights, is one of the most celebrated and cherished festivals in India. It embodies the universal message of victory — light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The word Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit term Deepavali, meaning “a row of lamps.” Across India and among Indian communities around the world, this festival brings together people of different faiths, traditions, and regions, each celebrating it in their own unique way, yet united by the common spirit of joy, renewal, and togetherness.
THE SPIRITUAL ESSENCE OF DIWALI
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At its heart, Diwali is not just a festival but a deeply spiritual experience. It signifies new beginnings, the triumph of righteousness, and the dispelling of negativity. People prepare for the festival weeks in advance by cleaning their homes, repainting walls, buying new clothes, and decorating with flowers and lights. Rows of earthen lamps (diyas) are placed on balconies, windows, and courtyards, while colorful rangoli designs adorn doorsteps, welcoming prosperity and positive energy.
On the night of Diwali, families gather for prayers and rituals, offering devotion to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The lighting of lamps and bursting of firecrackers symbolize the destruction of darkness and the spreading of light and happiness. Diwali also emphasizes giving and gratitude — people exchange sweets, gifts, and warm wishes, fostering a sense of community and goodwill.
REGIONAL VARIATIONS IN CELEBRATION
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India’s diversity shines beautifully through the different ways Diwali is observed across regions, each reflecting its own cultural and historical significance.
In North India, Diwali marks the joyous homecoming of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and the defeat of the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya illuminated their city with countless oil lamps to celebrate the return of their beloved prince. Even today, Ayodhya continues this ancient tradition by lighting millions of lamps, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of devotion and light.
In Western India, particularly in Gujarat, Diwali coincides with the end of the financial year. Businessmen and traders perform Chopda Pujan — the ritual of closing old account books and opening new ones in the name of Goddess Lakshmi. The belief is that invoking her blessings ensures prosperity and success in the coming year.
In South India, Diwali, known as Deepavali, celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. The day begins early, with people taking oil baths before sunrise, donning new clothes, and bursting firecrackers to mark the triumph of good over evil. Homes are decorated, and festive foods like murukku and mysore pak are prepared and shared.
In Eastern India, especially in West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, Diwali coincides with the grand worship of Goddess Kali, the fierce embodiment of divine feminine energy. Kali Puja represents the destruction of evil and ignorance, and temples are beautifully decorated with lamps and offerings. The festival carries both spiritual depth and festive enthusiasm, drawing thousands of devotees.
DIWALI AS “BANDICHHOR DIVAS “FOR THE SIKHS
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While Diwali is widely known as a Hindu festival, it holds a distinct and deeply significant meaning for the Sikh community. Sikhs celebrate this day as “BANDICHHOR DIVAS”, which translates to “the Day of Liberation.” This event marks the release of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, from imprisonment in the Gwalior Fort during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji had been unjustly imprisoned along with 52 Hindu kings. When his release was finally granted, the Guru refused to leave until all the other kings were freed as well. Through his wisdom and compassionate leadership, he negotiated their freedom, earning the title Bandichhor, meaning “the liberator of prisoners.” The Guru’s return to Amritsar was celebrated with immense joy, and the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) was illuminated with countless lamps in his honor. Since then, Sikhs across the world celebrate Bandichhor Divas by lighting lamps, offering prayers, and reflecting on the principles of freedom, justice, and equality — values that Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji stood for. The glowing Golden Temple on Diwali night is a breathtaking sight, symbolizing the light of truth and liberation that dispels ignorance and tyranny.
A FESTIVAL OF UNITY AND SHARED VALUES
Despite its diverse interpretations, the essence of Diwali remains universal. Whether it commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, Goddess Kali’s power over evil, or Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji’s act of compassion and justice — every version of Diwali teaches humanity to embrace goodness, compassion, and light.
The festival also serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life — that even after periods of hardship or darkness, light eventually prevails. The lighting of lamps is symbolic not just of physical brightness but of illuminating the soul with wisdom, kindness, and hope. It encourages introspection — to remove inner darkness, overcome anger, greed, and ego, and nurture love and understanding. In modern times, Diwali has also become a festival that transcends religious and cultural lines. It is celebrated by people of different communities across India and abroad, embodying the spirit of harmony and collective joy. The exchange of sweets, the laughter of families, and the glow of lamps bring a sense of togetherness that defines the true spirit of India.
CONCLUSION :
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Diwali, in all its forms, continues to shine as a symbol of India ’s rich cultural fabric and enduring spirituality. From Ayodhya’s illuminated Ghats to Amritsar’s glowing golden temple, from Gujarat’s bustling markets to Bengal’s midnight Kali Puja, the festival unites millions in celebration, reflection, and gratitude.
It reminds us that light, truth, and goodness are not merely ideals but guiding principles for humanity — and that every act of compassion, every lamp lit, and every smile shared adds to the collective brightness of the world.
The post Light, Freedom & Faith: The Many Faces of Diwali appeared first on Daily Excelsior.