the sikh side to diwali

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onto today’s topic: the sikh side to diwali 🪔 

diwali is typically referred to as a hindu celebration, and it is. however, diwali is also celebrated in sikhism for different reasons. the most significant being celebrating the struggle for freedom.

time to learn more about sikhism, the religion i practice. :)

we don’t technically celebrate diwali, but rather a festival called bandi chhor divas. these celebrations coincide, thus just adopting diwali for its more widespread name and practice. 🎇 

in 1619, Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth sikh guru, was imprisoned by the mughal emperor jahangir. he was eventually released and advocated for the freedom of 52 other unjustly captured princes. upon his return to amritsar on diwali, sikhs celebrated his release as a triumph of freedom and justice, which has since become a symbol of liberation from oppression. he was welcomed by the golden temple illuminated with lamps and fireworks.

diwali was already celebrated in india as a festival of lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. over time, we integrated our own religious history with diwali’s themes of victory and justice, thus making the day a dual celebration in both sikhism and hinduism. 🕉️ 

i grew up eating indian sweets, lighting diyas and fireworks and visiting the gurudwara every diwali. i’m missing it a lot this year.

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