The f e s t i v a l of Light

Diwali is a festival of light. It is both a seasonal and a religious festival which takes place in October or November. Sikhs remember the release of Guru Hargobind from Prison. Hindus also celebrate Diwali as a festival of light and several of their legends are associated with it. Jains the followers of Jainism, another Indian religion, marks Diwali as the day their prophet Mahavir received the word of God.

By Thuy year 5

The H i s t o r y

Hargobind, who was to become the sixth Guru, was born in June 1597. When he was eleven years old, his father, Guru Arjan the fifth Guru was tortured to death by the Moguls. Guru Harobind became a powerful leader. Jehangir,the Mogul Emperor, became scared of the Guru's growing power and popularity, and resented the fact that many Muslims were being converted to the Sikh faith. He had the Guru arrested and imprisoned. Guru Hargobind was kept in a fort at Gwalior for two years for not paying a fine which had been inflicted on his father, for alledgedly plotting against the Moguls. When he was released, the Guru returned to Amritsar. The Sikh community lit every house with candles as a sign of celebration and ever since that time Sikjs have celebrated Diwali with lights and fireworks.

By Thuy year 5

Diwali In Britain

On the Saturday and Sunday morning closest to Diwali, many British Hindus go their local temple to worship together. The families pray together in front of the shrine to Lakshmi which they have made for Diwali. On the table they have put sweets, insense, fruits, lights and a conch shell. November in Britain is often cold, damp and windy. Leaving small lamps on window sills or by open doorways is not always possible but the Diwas still play their part in creating the atmosphere of Diwali in the home. Apart from India, only in Nepal and the Indonesian island of Bali is Hinduism the main religion. There are more followers of Hinduism in Asia than any other religion. Diwali has always been one of their favourite festivals. It is remembered and celebrated by Hindu communities where they live.