Not many people know about Diwali.....
Diwali is a celebration of light, celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus.There are two interesting stories behind why Diwali is celebrated by both religions.
Sikhs gather at the Gurdwara (Sikh temple) to worship and honour God.Guru Hargobind Ji (6th of the 10 Gurus) had saved all 52 Sikh warriors from Gwaroli prison.In punjabi,It's called "Bhandi Chorr Divas", "Bhandi" means prisoner, "chorr" meaning release and "Divas" talking about the day of the event itself.Therefore "Bhandi Chorr Divas" means prisoner release day.
Hindus,on the other hand, celebrate Diwali to welcome the Gods Sita (wife of Rama) and Rama,back to their kingdom.The Ravanna (demon) had kidnapped Sita,so,Rama and his brother Lakshmana had to rescue Sita with the help of Hanuman Ji (A Hindu God) before the Ravanna took Sita to Sri Lanka.
Hindus gather at the Mandir (Hindu temple) to pray and sing songs, communicating with God.
This festival is the time of the year when Sikhs and Hindus begin first by making a "rangoli" pattern on the floor of the house enterance,as a sign of happiness.Later on, everyone dresses in taditional indian clothing (punjabi suit,lengha,or a sari), and in the evening they go to the temple to light "Divas" (candles) which are beautifully decorated.
There are fireworks,and as well as that, families give each other gifts to celebrate.
The reason Sikhs celebrate this festival is to focus on the return of the Guru and the 52 warriors, but for Hindus it's about celebrating the victory of Sita being saved, marking their New Year.
