Diwali is a significant religious festival observed mostly by Hindus but Sikhs and Jains as well. While the beliefs may differ, the enthusiasm, vivaciousness, and joy as a result of it unite them.
In celebration of Diwali, homes are decorated with candles. By celebrating Diwali, people recall their rich and glorious past and learn to uphold the true values of life.
According to Indian lore, the Hindu festival marks the return of Prince Rama of Ayodhya, his wife, Sita, and his brother, Lakshman, after a 14-year exile and victory in a war. The people of Ayodhya lit lamps to illuminate their path. And so Divali continues to be celebrated each year by lighting lamps, holding firework displays and exchanging sweets and gifts with family and friends.
However, we see people of other faiths participating in Diwali festivities.
Why is Diwali celebrated by Sikhs?
The Sikhs aren't actually celebrating Diwali; they celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, which means 'Prisoner Release Day', which occurs on the same day as Diwali, so the two are combined.
In 1619, Guru Hargobind Sahib and 52 princes were released from the prison in Gwalior, India on this day. The day is celebrated as a triumph of right over evil and as a tribute to the Guru who saved the lives of the 52 men without using violence. He arrived at Amritsar on Diwali day and the Harmandar (also known as the "Golden Temple") was lit with hundreds of lamps to celebrate his return hence the day came to be known as the "Bandi Chhor Divas" ("prisoner release day", "freedom day").
Despite being completely innocent of any wrongdoing, it is believed that the sixth Guru, along with hundreds of others was imprisoned as a political prisoner by the Mughals.
The Mughal Emperor Jahangir came into contact with the Guru when he was imprisoned and grew close to him, partly because the Guru had saved him from a lion while out hunting and partly because it was believed that the Guru's prayers had cured the Emperor of severe illness.
As a result of the debt the Emperor owed Guru Hargobind, he agreed to release him, but the Guru refused to accept it unless he would take 52 princes (Rajas) with him. Though reluctant initially, the Emperor agreed to release any prisoners holding onto the Guru's cloak, believing this would severely limit the number of prisoners.
However, the Guru was not to be outmaneuvered in this way. He asked for a special coat to be made with 52 coat tails(reported as pieces of string in some places). He outsmarted the Emperor as all the Rajas held on to the tails and walked to freedom with him. When the Guru reached Amritsar, coincidently it was Diwali - hence it added another happy moment to the previous celebrations enjoyed by the Sikhs and Hindus alike. Thenceforth, the Sikh struggle for freedom, which intensified in the 18th Century, came to be centered around this day.
On Bandi Chhor Divas, Gurudwara Bandi Chor (the Sikh temple built on the site of the Guru's imprisonment) celebrates the Guru's selflessness with 'Deewalee' (earthen oil lamps), candles, and fireworks.
It is also a period when Sikhs travel to the Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib), which is the most significant pilgrimage site in the faith. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is illuminated with Diyas (lamps) and fireworks on Diwali.
Sikhs all around the world celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, which commemorates the victory of the Sikh freedom struggle in the 18th century for the betterment of human society.