Diwali is today, Sunday Nov 8, and for Sikhs it's Bandi Chhor Divas, so the gurdwara will likely be busy tonight.
- What it is: the five-day festival of lights, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists. Diyas (oil lamps), fireworks, sweets, new clothes, family visits.
- Hindu meaning: light over darkness. Rama's return to Ayodhya, and Lakshmi puja for prosperity on the main night.
- Sikh meaning: Guru Hargobind's release from Gwalior Fort in 1619. He refused to leave unless 52 imprisoned kings came with him, holding his cloak. Bandi Chhor means "liberator of prisoners."
- At a gurdwara: Akhand Path or kirtan, ardas, langar, and the building lit with lamps. The Golden Temple in Amritsar has the biggest celebration, with fireworks over the sarovar.
- Jain meaning: Mahavira's nirvana.
- The five days: Dhanteras (buying gold or utensils), Choti Diwali, the main night, Govardhan Puja, then Bhai Dooj for siblings.
- Greeting: "Happy Diwali" works for everyone. To Raj, "Happy Bandi Chhor Divas" lands better.
- this post is generated by AI And posted by myself, Brandon Bridges, I welcome any corrections by those who know more than I do. Please teach me