Happy Diwali 🪔

Happy Diwali GumGum

Diwali is the five-day Festival of Light, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains across the world. This year it was celebrated on Sunday, November 12th. Diwali is also a celebration of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. 

Each religion marks a different historical meaning of Diwali:

• Hindus celebrate the legend of Rama, who rescued his wife, Sita from the evil king, Lanka, by building a bridge from India to Sri Lanka. For many Hindus, Diwali honors the goddess of wealth Lakshmi. The lights and lamps are said to help Lakshmi find her way into people's homes, bringing prosperity in the year to come.

• Sikhs celebrate Diwali as a victory of freedom for the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind. Guru Hargobind was imprisoned by Emperor Jahangir with 52 other princes. The Emperor was asked to release Guru Hargobind, however, Guru Hargobind refused to leave without freeing the other 52 prisoners. The Emperor agreed he would free only those who could hold onto his clock tail. Guru Hargobind had a clock made with 52 pieces of string so each prince was able to hold onto one string and leave the prison.

• Jains celebrate the festival of Diwali to worship Lord Mahavior on the occasion of his nirvana (or eternal bliss).

Check out the video below to learn more about Diwali!