Sikhs and Hindus both celebrate Diwali but for differnt reasons. The Detroit Free Press is reporting that "One of the most-celebrated Hindu festivals, Diwali, or Deepavali, commemorates the victory of good over evil during the course of five days."The word refers to rows of diyas — or clay lamps — which are put all around homes and places of worship."
"The word Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which means row of lights, that devotees light outside their homes during the festival to represent the light that guards against spiritual darkness and symbolize good over evil. The light from these lamps symbolizes the illumination within all of us, which can overcome ignorance, represented by darkness."
"The festival, that is spread over a period of five days, also marks the beginning of the new year in the Hindu calendar, and celebrates the year’s last rice-crop harvest. For Sikhs, meanwhile, Diwali celebrates sixth Guru, who serves as a source of inspiration and a symbol for freedom. The guru was in prison and refused to leave prison without the other 52 political prisoners being released. The day of Diwali celebrates his release, along with the other political prisoners he fought for. While the reason behind the celebrations may be different, to commemorate the festival, Sikhs will also go to the Gurdwara to pray and meditate, light diyas and set off fireworks."
In Surrey we know it's Diwali when we hear fireworks all night. Evidently they're still banned.
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