Why is Diwali celebrated by Sikhs, Hindus and Jains?

Diwali for Sikhs
Sikhs celebrate Diwali because their sixth Guru, Guru Hargobindji returned from a great victory on that day. He freed many innocent people who had been imprisoned without any form of violence.

Diwali for Hindus
In Northern India Hindus celebrate Diwali to mark the triumph of Lord Ram over the demon Raksah.

In Eastern India Hindus celebrate Diwali for a different reason, which is to honour the Goddess Kali destroying Bakasura (demon).

In Southern India Hindus celebrate Diwali for yet another reason which is to commemorate Lord Krishna killing Narakasura (demon).

Other Hindus celebrate Diwali because the rightful heir returned to the throne after being expelled to the forest for 14 years by his step mum who wanted her son to be King.

Diwali for Jains
Diwali for Jains is the celebration of Mahavir Bhagwan’s attainment of Moksha ~ abundant, infinite, eternal, bliss ~ ultimate liberation, and absolute freedom from all karmic bondage of the cycle of birth and rebirths. The reasons why Jains celebrate Diwali is also down to a ‘conquest’. This time the conquest is about Lord Mahaveer attaining Nirvana. It is also an illuminating time to contemplate on the path to Moksha, which is shown to us through the teachings of Mahavir Bhagwan. The significance of the light thus represents the sharing of the knowledge.

Deepavali is a sanskrit word which means ‘rows and row of light’. Deepavali is usually shortened to Diwali. The core activity (as we should all know!) associated with Diwali is to give thanks to the Gods and to share good will with others.
Countless festivals are celebrated in India, but as you can see above, Diwali is unusual in that many people of different faiths mark this occasion.

In essence these reasons for celebrating Diwali have one thing in common ~ they are about ‘Good’ conquering ‘Evil’.

Happy Deepavali to you all!

‘Shubh diwali ane nutan varsh abhinanda – Through the momentum of the light, hoping that all your dreams shine bright.’