Diwali (or Deepavali) is a colorful five day celebration that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. Often referred to as ‘The Festival of Lights’, Diwali has been celebrated for more than 2,500 years by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs globally. This year, the main day of the festival was celebrated on November 8, 2026, bringing communities together globally.
Hindus celebrate the return of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. Many Hindus worship Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, lighting homes with diyas to invite her blessings and marking the financial new year in Western India.
Sophomore at East, Shivani Mariappan, has an action packed celebration.
“We do fireworks, we eat sweets, we have conversations about how our day is going and what our plans for the year are,” Mariappan said.
Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, which commemorates the release of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Singh Ji. Guru Hargobind refused his own freedom unless 52 imprisoned Rajput princes were released alongside him, earning the title Bandi Chhor (Deliverer of the Prisoners). Religious sanctuaries like Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar and other gurdwaras across the globe are illuminated with thousands of lights and diyas.
Junior at East, Saakhi Bhasin celebrates the holiday with her family.
“A tradition me and my family have is that a week or two before Diwali, me and my parents will put up lights all around the house to get into the festive mood and on Diwali we go with my grandparents to the Gurdwara where we pray and join everyone in lighting candles” Bhasin said.
For Jains, Diwali marks the spiritual awakening and final liberation of Lord Mahvaria, the 24th and last Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) in 527 BCE. Jain Diwali is a reflective time focused on spiritual awareness.
Written by senior Gursimran Kaur. Edited by staff writers for the Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.