Diwali: A Global Festival of Light and Sanatan Dharma
We Indians know Diwali as the Festival of Lights when so many dias glow, and the lights are like a wedding. This is the most sacred day to remember in most parts of sanatan dharma and Diwali, celebrated widely in Hinduism.
Undoubtedly, Diwali is the nearest festival to hearts because it speaks of the triumph of light over darkness and of good over evil.
Each year, so many people worldwide come together for this festival and celebrate. On this day, geographical boundaries and religious differences are not there.
At its core, hope and rejuvenation epitomise the rejuvenation and restoration of this phase of the year.
Families come together and share life stories to revive those ties that have managed to keep everyone so well glued together amidst all sorts of divisions on the surface of this globe.
Therefore, it cannot be a religious activity but a proper, heartful celebration of life, unity, and the common values that bind human beings across cultures and traditions.
History of Diwali in Sanatan Dharma
All began with the fabulous tale of Lord Rama’s life in exile and his return to his kingdom, Ayodhya, after a long time.
In this legend, the fine narration can be found, as epitomised in an ages-old text called the Ramayana, triumphing good over evil and righteousness over malice.
After killing the demon king Ravana, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. Seeing their beloved king back, the people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps called diyas to prove they were happy for their king.
This historic event captures the heart of Diwali, reminding us of the ultimate victory of good over evil. The festival encourages us to lead a life of dharma and strive for betterment with honesty and love.
This festival brings about the introspection of our activities and challenges us to become better beings.
Diwali traditions in Hinduism
Diwali is rich in culture and rituals that vary from place to place but share similar themes. One of the most important rituals is Lakshmi Puja. Here, devotees worship Lakshmi, the goddess of money and prosperity. They seek a rich year through her blessings. That usually happens on the third day of Diwali, when the culmination of functions reaches its peak.
This time of the year, houses are decorated with diyas, rangoli, and flowers bedecking in various hues. Families are gearing up to celebrate, so they adorn their homes with coloured rangoli using powders or flower petals, fresh flowers, and small oil lamps. Light from diyas symbolises banishing ignorance and negativity, embracing light and knowledge in our lives.
The festival feasts also have a hand-in-hand association as an element of Diwali, wherein families prepare and share assortments of sweets and savoury foods. Amidst gulab jamun and samosas, culinary delights linked to Diwali speak of joy that is shared and celebrated.
It is a mark of enlightenment. The diyas spread light out to the world. It is so that Diwali lets people acquire inner wisdom. What gives light to people’s minds and souls, allowing a feeling of renewal through personal development, as well as consideration and regard for other individuals, is that particular event.
Diwali traditions in other religions
The beauty of Diwali lies in its universal appeal. It transcends Hinduism to resonate with various religions that celebrate this festival uniquely.
Sikhism
Diwali is Bandi Chhor Divas to Sikhs, meaning the day Guru Hargobind Singh was released from jail. This event teaches lessons about freedom and justice that form the very core of Diwali. To Sikhs, it is a day of grand fun lit with candles and lamps, reflecting the essence of Diwali.
Jainism
Diwali is one of the most important festivals in Jainism. The Jains celebrate the nirvana, or the liberation, of Lord Mahavira on this day.
The day is characterised by praying and meditation on non-violence, truth, and compassion. That the festival strengthens such a belief that seeking knowledge and enlightenment is indeed the key to liberation only fortifies the argument.
Buddhism
The Buddhists of Nepal also worship Buddhism on Diwali with peace and light as their form of worship.
When communities unite during this festival, it symbolises how people believe that light would bring hope and join everybody. This shared aspect reminds everyone that goodwill and understanding are universal themes above religions.
Celebrating Diwali around the world
As Indian communities bloom and flourish all around the world, the spirit of Diwali accompanies them.
In America, the UK, and Canada, they celebrate it with full zest and creativity. Communities stage community-wide festivals in bright lights—fireworks displays, elaborate festivals, cultural performances, and communal feasts.
For most of the diaspora, Diwali means reconnecting with their roots. Families and friends come together, share the same traditional food, and follow age-old customs to regain a sense of being a part of something much more than themselves.
The festival usually occurs in temples and community centres and invites participation from every walk of life, forming a mosaic of diverse cultural heritage representing Diwali.
Interestingly, the culture of the non-Hindu people has also accepted Diwali. London and New York public events allow people from all faiths to come and participate in the festival, reminding them that love, kindness, and unity stand above religious and cultural boundaries so that they can all share Diwali’s delight.
In America, many Indian students also organise events with their universities where they have Indian food, Diwali decorations, etc so that Indians living in America can also feel that they are celebrating Diwali in their home country, India.
Cultural variations and celebrations
Diwali festivals vary in each country on Earth, but one aspect that is common to all countries is that they are unique according to local traditions. For example, in certain countries, they are generally held with fireworks, while in others, they are held as community fairs or parades.
In Mauritius, traditional dances and songs reflect the multicultural fabric of Diwali celebrations. The lamp-lighting ceremony and exchanging of sweets symbolise this spirit of unity and jubilation. In Trinidad and Tobago, street fairs and cultural performances help to mark the celebration of the island’s rich heritage of Indian culture.
Community fairs have been experienced in many districts, gathering people who may play a game, find food stalls, or participate in cultural performances. Such an event helps strengthen people’s feeling of being again connected to their roots, which sends a message that it is not only a community activity but an expression of an individual’s faith.
This means the festival is flexible and resilient. It allows these communities to gather together, share their unique practices, and learn from one another, adding more flavour to this Diwali experience.
The message of unity and peace
The most beautiful thing about Diwali is the way that it encourages community sense and cultural interdependence among a group of people who take joy in good things to be celebrated.
Different walks of life are found here together. The place of this festival, with light and hope together, unites all religions and cultures for understanding and dialogue.
It’s just like Diwali: In this world where the opposite of unity seems to prevail, the light reminds people that compassion is supreme and building bridges between communities is paramount. It reminds people of their values and what they could contribute to a better good.
The social aspect of Diwali is incredibly outstanding in furthering interpersonal harmony. Neighbourhoods usually organise their festivities and bridge cultural gaps to facilitate more friendships.
Such a sense of togetherness hammers home the fact that, despite our differences, we all share a common desire to be peaceful, prosperous, and happy.
Conclusion
Now, by viewing the significance of sanatan dharma and diwali, one understands that this festival is not confined to religion or faith but is almost a celebration of universal values. This is an essential time of peace, harmony, and universal culture.
Diwali shines like an invitation to all for hope and unity within the festival in a dark and divided world.
The festival of lights reminds us of the goodness within ourselves and encourages it to be spread among others.
In whatever ways Diwali presents acts of kindness, shares blessings, or being there for one another, the message encourages a brighter future for all.
Diwali is a celebration festival and a profound reminder of our ability to love, care for each other, and be together.
While we light diyas and share food, let’s also light the way for others by fostering understanding and goodwill in our communities. May we thrive in the light of all that is good for all this year.
