Significance of Diwali in Different Religions: Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism

Various religions in India celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, and each religion has its own myths and traditions associated with the festival. The three major religions that celebrate Diwali are Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism.

hinduism

For followers of Hinduism, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. This holiday is particularly associated with several important legends:

One of the most popular is the great epic Ramayana, Diwali is celebrated after Lord Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana returned from defeating the demon king Ravana. Lighted diyas or candles by the people of Ayodhia welcome home the holy trio who have triumphed over evil and good.

Diwali is also the day of worship of Goddess Lakshmi. She is wealth and prosperity. Worshipers cleanse their houses with great pride, light candles to welcome her, and trust that she will come to her clean home and make it glow inside. In some places, Narakasura was killed by Lord Krishna:

south india

Diwali, on the other hand, is celebrated primarily in southern India and commemorates the anniversary of Lord Krishna’s battle with a demon named Narakasura and his murder. Narakasura was killed by Krishna the day before Deepavali (Naraka Chaturdashi).

Goddess Kali: In West Bengal and elsewhere, Diwali is believed to be associated with Goddess Kali as she symbolizes strength and destroys evil forces.

Jainism

For Jains, the festival of lights is the most important festival of Lord Mahavira’s Nirvana, the final liberation of Titankara from the cycle of birth and death in BC. Jains like to light candles to represent light dispelling darkness, i.e. ignorance.

Sikhism

Diwali in Sikhism is the day when Guru Hargobind Ji was released from prison by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1619. It is a symbol of freedom from oppression. On this day, Sikhs celebrate with lights and fireworks at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The theme is freedom and justice.

Diwali is a festival that brings people of all these religions together, viewing it differently in their respective cultural contexts. Common themes such as the triumph of good over evil, the triumph of light over darkness, and the celebration of new beginnings are common elements of the holiday. More importantly, the festival connects people and families through rituals and celebrations held together.