Wishing a happy Diwali to everyone who observes. To help celebrate, Ryken Singh and Mya Kaur Kooner, two students at David Thompson Secondary School, share more about this special time of year. Read their reflections to learn more about the meaning and history of Diwali, as well as what it means to them.

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Ryken Singh

Diwali is the Festival of Lights. Diwali is one of the major celebrations in the Hindu calendar, which is celebrated in India as well as other countries. It is a time to rejoice in the overcoming of light over darkness and good over evil. It often commemorates the return of Lord Rama to the land of Ayodhya after overcoming the demon, King Ravana. 

This festival usually lasts for five days and is celebrated through a variety of activities, including lighting oil lamps which are called diyas, decorating homes, gift sharing, and consuming sweets. There are also connections to Jain and Sikh traditions, all including different customs and symbolism, which form the diverse culture of India. 

The holiday encourages and inspires feelings of jubilation, positivity, and optimism as all people come together to celebrate and remember. 

Mya Kaur Kooner

Happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas everyone! These two holidays fall on Nov. 1 this year and are celebrated around the world. 

In my religion of Sikhism, Diwali, also known as Bandi Chhor Divas, is a significant festival that celebrates the release of Guru Hargobind Singh Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, from imprisonment in 1619. Guru Hargobind Singh Ji also helped to release 52 other princes who were political prisoners with him. Sikhs commemorate this day by lighting lamps, decorating their homes, and gathering with family and friends for meals and prayers. It’s a time of joy, reflection, and unity, reminding everyone of the importance of freedom and justice. 

For people of the Hindu religion, Diwali is celebrated with prayer and worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Diwali for Hindus marks the victorious return of Prince Rama and his wife, Sita, after a 14-year exile. Today, people light lamps, honouring the couple’s path through the darkness and their safe passage home. 

Sikhs and Hindus both celebrate Diwali as a festival of light and joy. They share the belief in the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Diwali is a national holiday in India and is widely celebrated. Every family has their own traditions for this joyous occasion. For as long as I can remember, my family has been going to the local Ross Street Gurdwara (Sikh temple) for prayers, celebration and to light divas (oil lamps). When we come home, my grandma always makes our family’s favorite Indian dishes for everyone to enjoy. 

Seeing everyone come together creates special memories that I cherish, and this makes me look forward to Diwali every year. It is wonderful to see Diwali celebrated by so many diverse communities here in our province and across the globe. 

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Happy Diwali, everyone!