Happy Diwali 2024 – Amrik Randhawa shares celebrations

Diwali this year will be celebrated by millions of Hindus and Sikhs across the world on Thursday 31st October Friday 1st November. Amrik Randhawa in our Water & Environment team shares below more about the celebration, and how his family traditionally marks the occasion.

What is Diwali?

Diwali for is a festival of light and originates from India. It’s a celebration of positivity and symbolises the spiritual victory of light of dark, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance upholding the true values of life. It is celebrated by millions of Hindus across the world. Millions of Sikhs actually celebrate something different (Bandi Chhor Divas) which coincidentally happens to fall at the time in the year. Diwali in Hindi means row of lights to help bring prosperity in the year to come.

Why do we celebrate it?

For Sikhs this is a story of the struggle for freedom and is termed Bandi Chhor Divas (prisoner release date). It celebrates the victory (through peaceful means) of the 6th Sikh Guru (Guru Hargobind) from an Emperor back in the 17th century where he was imprisoned at Gwalifor Fort along with 52 kings. All were released thanks to the Guru.

Hindus celebrate this as it is the start of the new year symbolising the return of Prince Rama and his family from a 14-year long exile and war from which the Prince stood victorious around 5000 BC and is one of the most prestigious days of the year. Leicester holds the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India!

How do we celebrate it?

By going to the Mandeir (Hindu temple) or Gurdwara (Sikh temple). Candles are lit and there are extravagant firework displays. Food, sweets and gifts and front and centre to the celebration. Ultimately its a time for community to come together and share positivity, prosperity and happiness. Most importantly, everyone is welcome to attend.

Celebrations with my family…

From a very early age and as far back as I can remember, I have celebrated Diwali (Bandi Chorr) with family and friends at the local Sikh temple. It’s a very special event which allows the community to catch up and collectively celebrate what’s known as the festival of lights. As a kid (and even now), the fireworks displays are a strong motivation for getting involved as is the variety of food and drink. 

As I have done in previous years, my family and I, will begin celebrations from late afternoon, although the wider community will be in and around the temple all day. I like to use this time to mediate and switch off from the many distractions we are surrounded by in the modern world, which is great for mental health and remaining humble. In my view, the best thing is that everyone is welcome and even though the fireworks can be quite noisy, it is a very peaceful place to be. Joy and prosperity are central to the event and I always go home feeling uplifted and even more positive