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Summary of Question:	More On Isn't Diwali A Sikh Holiday Also?
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Saturday, 10/27/2001 11:08 PM MDT

What follows is a more complete explanation of why Diwali is a celebration day for Sikhs:

Diwali : Festival of Lights
All around the world in the month of November, Hindus and Sikhs alike get together to celebrate a shared festival referred to as Diwali. The word Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word Dipawali which is defined as a 'garland of lights.' The origins of Diwali are drawn from folklore and legend based on many generations of Indian tradition and culture. As one steps into a home, more commonly in India on the day of the wondrous occasion, the spirit of things overwhelms them. The houses are decorated with fresh and colourful flowers as well as the garlands and lights, which are strung around the house. Coloured patterns of cornflour decorate the floors, and most importantly, the candles are lit signifying the existence of God through the flames to give off a rich glow. The household is full of a buzz, preparing many sweets called barfi and matiyeh. Gifts are exchanged and rituals are performed for one unified Love.
The festival of Diwali has many interpretations pertaining to both Sikhs and Hindus. In the Hindu perspective it is based on the return of the Goddess Lakhshemi who brings wealth and prosperity to people's homes. Also, in reference to the return of King Rama and Queen Sita after a fourteen-year exile, further explained in the great Hindu epic Ramanyana.
In Sikh perspective, Diwali is celebrated as the return of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji from the captivity of the city, Gwalior. History states two commonly known reasons for his imprisonment. One is that the Muslim Raja approached Guru Hargobind Ji upon his entering Gwalior and told the Guru to denounce his Sikh religion and to join the Muslim faith. With the intention of utilizing the Guru?s great strength and fearlessness needed in battles. Being outraged by this request, the Guru rejected his proposition. In retaliation he captured the Guru and held him against his will. But eventually the Guru managed to free himself of this unjust imprisonment and returned to his beloved town of Amritsar. To commemorate his undying love for Sikhism, the townspeople lit the way to, Harmandhir Sahib (referred to as the Golden Temple), in his honour.
The second known interpretation includes Guru Hargobind Ji being put in prison by Muslim officers due to reasons beyond his control, but was eventually released. However, during his time in prison, the Guru had many many companions in the prison and refused to leave without them. The officials speculated this and came up with an idea they thought would work. They agreed the prisoners could leave with the great Guru only if all of them followed him down a slim passageway without letting go of him. Undoubtfully, the Guru developed a solution and created a long robe with many long tassels attached to it so that each person would hold onto him. Thus, the Guru led himself as well as the other
52 other prisoners to freedom. Freedom for them was departure from darkness to city streets and homes lit in respect of the Guru?s selfish actions.
Overall, culturally, Diwali is a joyous and colourful occasion that brings together families and friends to share and reflect on their heritage, but more importantly from a religious context the selfless act by Guru Hargobind Ji should not be forgotten. Thus each individual should in fact take the time to admire to many occasions the Sikh religion holds and celebrate what it offers to them.
By Ramandeep Kaur Gill
http://www.yorku.ca/org/yssa/Ndiwali.htm

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Sat Siri Akaal. Thank you so much for this information.
-DKK