Have you ever had a time in your life when you wanted to have a fresh start or take a mulligan? Perhaps you needed to do some spring cleaning of not just your house, but of your life. For some people, going through a process of renewal also includes a visible symbol of the event - a change in appearance (hairstyle, clothes, tattoo, etc), a change in housing, or a change of employment are some of the ways that personal or spiritual renewal is commemorated. Renewal is a powerful experience.
Many world religions have the idea of periodic renewal as a part of their sacred calendars. One example of this is the annual celebration of Diwali, which is a core part of Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Each religion celebrates Diwali in a different way, and this week's article will focus primarily on the Hindu and Sikh understandings and expressions of the festival.
"Diwali" is a Sanskrit term that means row or cluster of lights, and the festival itself has become known in many parts of the world as the "Festival of Lights". Diwali is a calendar ritual/festival that is celebrated each year on the 15th day of the month of Kattak, which in 2011, is Wednesday, October 26.
For Hindus, the festival of Dawali has one core purpose - the celebration of life, prosperity, and the triumph of good over evil. In Hindu spirituality, the festival commemorates the victorious return of Lord Rama from his exile, and his destruction of the demon-king Ravana.
The celebration can last several days, and the central ritual is the lighting of many small clay lamps, both indoors and outdoors. Depending on the location, for both Hindus and Sikhs, the lamps are supplemented with lanterns and/or fireworks as well. In some regions, gifts are purchased and exchanged, houses are cleaned and refurbished, and new clothes are worn.
For Sikh's, Diwali has additional, and more specific, significance. The festival also celebrates the release from prison of Guru Hargobind (the sixth guru) and 52 other princes, in 1619. Tradition has it that Guru Hargobind was imprisoned by the Moghul Emperor Jahangir, and when the guru was about to be released, he asked that the princes be released too. The Emperor replied that only those who could hold onto the guru's cloak tail would be released. Thankfully, Guru Hargobind had cloak made with 52 pieces of string, so each prince was able to hold his cloak and leave prison. To celebrate his return, the Golden Temple in India was lit up by lamps, and the tradition continues to this day.
Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs around the world. The next time that you see a Diwali festival, either in person or in the media, what will you look for, and what questions will you have?
Questions or Comments? Each week, this column will explore issues and questions about religion and spirituality in Prince George and around the world. Please send your questions, comments, or ideas to @wessner (Twitter) or [email protected] (email).
Mark Wessner, PhD
Lead Pastor at Westwood Church
Continuing Studies Instructor at UNBC
