What Diwali Means to Me: Reflections on the Festival of Lights
Category: Religious & Spiritual Beliefs
Diwali (the festival of lights) holds spiritual and cultural significance across a number of different religions including Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism.
The common Diwali themes across these religions are:
- Light over darkness (or good prevailing over evil)
- Renewal and prosperity
- Freedom and justice
- Community and joy
For me, personally, my best memories of Diwali are those as a child. Rather like Christmas, Diwali was always a magical and special time. It had little to do with religion (if I’m honest) and more to do with receiving presents, fireworks, visiting family and eating lots of nice food.
Having grown up in West London amid a vibrant Asian community, I always felt an exciting energy that lifted my spirits. The happiness was infectious!
As a grown up and a parent I try and focus on the spiritual side of Diwali and to not lose sight of this. We usually visit a temple or gurdwara to pray and then celebrate with family and friends and, yes, eat lots of nice food! Those childhood memories still bring a smile to my face.
This Diwali may you find illumination and enlightenment.
Happy Diwali!
Puneet Rajput
Director of Governance and Regulation
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