Divali
DivaliA Hindu festival of light. Sikhs celebrate too, increasingly calling the day Bandhi Chhor Divas. is a festival that is celebrated throughout India by both Hindus and Sikhs. It is a festival of lights, and so symbolises good overcoming evil. For Sikhs, it is a celebration of freedom. It is usually celebrated in October or November and lasts five days.
Meaning of Divali
Divali is important for Sikhs for several reasons:
- it allows Sikhs to remember the bravery of Guru HargobindGuru Hargobind was the sixth Sikh Guru who lived from 1595 to 1644. He became Guru at the age of eleven after the execution of his father, Guru Arjan. Guru Hargobind founded the Sikh military tradition., who was imprisoned with 52 Hindu princes for political reasons
- it remembers the martyrSomeone who suffers death and persecution for their beliefs. of Bhai Mani Singh, who was the granthiReader of the Guru Granth Sahib, who officiates at ceremonies. This can be a man or a woman. at the Harmander Sahib (Golden Temple in AmritsarCity in North-Western part of Indian. Spiritual centre for Sikhs.) who transcribed the final version of the Guru Granth SahibThe Guru Granth Sahib is the most important Sikh holy book. It is a collection of songs, prayers and hymns from the Sikh Gurus and other holy men, as well as teachings from other faiths. It is treated as a living Guru.
- it celebrates how Sikh leaders have supported freedom and equality
- it helps Sikhs to remember the oneness of humanity and the importance of fair treatment for all people
Celebrations at Divali
Divali is celebrated in several ways:
- the Akhand Path (Akand Path)Unbroken 48-hour reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib. is held
- street processions are organised
- firework displays are held
- homes are spring cleaned and decorated with lamps
- new clothes are worn
As well as these ways, in India Divali is celebrated through:
- lighting bonfires in towns and villages
- decoration of the Golden Temple in AmritsarCity in North-Western part of Indian. Spiritual centre for Sikhs. and the surrounding buildings with thousands of lights
- pilgrimage of many Sikhs to the Golden Temple to join the celebrations
