Diwali - from a Christian Perspective

Fr. Paul Lelen Haokip *

Diwali at Imphal :: 06 November 2010

Introduction:

If you are able to read this article, I am sure you are already with the aid of light. Yes, it is almost unthinkable to exist without light. The word "Diwali" is a contraction of "Deepavali", originating from the Sanskrit word Dipavali which can be translated to "Row of Lights". It is a festival of lights symbolizing the victory of righteousness and the lifting off spiritual darkness.

It is celebrated on the 15th day of Kartika, according to the Hindu calendar. This festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing his 14 years exile to defeat Ravana. The Goddess Lakshmi, Vishnu's consort who symbolizes wealth and prosperity is also worshipped at this festival.

"Do not curse the darkness; enkindle light in the world." The light, of course, represents knowledge and wisdom. Bowls of water with candles and flowers floating on the surface are also popular decorations. Electric lights, small oil lamps made of clay and flames are important Diwali symbols. Today, Diwali is a universal celebration for all walks of life.

Light Festivals in various Religions:

This Diwali day falls on the amavasya or the no moon day. Diwali date comes 20 days after the popular festival of Dussehra or Vijaya Dashmi. About 900 million Hindus in India, and all over the world, celebrate Diwali, a festival of lights that is as big as Christmas is for Christians. The Diwali Festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Besides Hinduism, it is considered a significant festival to Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Christians as well.

Many Buddhists in India mark anniversary of the Emperor Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism around the time of Diwali. Many scholars believe that Ashoka lived between 270 BCE and 232 BCE. Many people who observe Jainism mark the anniversary of Mahavira's (or Lord Mahavir) attainment of nirvana on October 15, 527 BCE. Mahavira established the central spiritual ideas of Jainism. Many Jains celebrate the Festival of Lights in his honor.

Bandi Chhorh Divas, which is the Sikh celebration of the sixth Nanak's (Guru Har Gobind) return from detention in the Gwalior Fort, coincides with Diwali. This coincidence has resulted in the similarity of celebrating the day among many Sikhs and Hindus.

Christian Light Festival - Hanukkah (dedication)

In 2012, Hannukah begins on the evening of December 8 and ends on December 16. Hannukah is celebrated around the world for eight days and nights, beginning on the 25th day of the month of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and ending on the second day of the Hebrew month of Tevet. It has its origins in a battle that liberated Jerusalem and the Temple there around 167 B.C.

Led by the Jewish priest Mattathias and his five sons, a large-scale rebellion broke out against Antiochus and the Seleucid monarchy. When Matthathias died in 166 B.C., his son Judah, known as Judah Maccabee ("the Hammer"), took the helm; within two years the Jews had successfully driven the Syrians out of Jerusalem, relying largely on guerilla warfare tactics.

Judah called on his followers to cleanse the Second Temple, rebuild its altar and light its menorah-the gold candelabrum whose seven branches represented knowledge and creation and were meant to be kept burning every night. When the elders went to light the Temple's lamp, there was only enough oil for one day yet the lamp burned for eight days until enough oil could be reached. This miracle became known as the "Festival of Light" or Hanukkah.

Lord Jesus Christ said "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life" [John 8: 12]. Jesus celebrated Hanukkah.

What kind of ritual took place in the Temple during Hanukkah in Jesus' time? In Jesus' time there was an extra illumination of the Temple during the celebration of Hanukkah, the annual commemoration of the Dedication of the 'Altar' and of the 'Sanctuary'. Beside the ancient Mosaic 7-branched Menorah, there were "great candelabras burning in the Women's Court.

And in addition to that, the special Hanukkah lamp-stand was lit. It had eight branches and a leader-lamp called the 'Shammash' or Servant. The custom was then, as it still is, to light the Servant lamp first, and with it kindle the first lamp on the first night. Then, one additional lamp was lit each night, until on the eighth night all lamps were burning.

Winter Solstice brings long dark nights with it, light is an essential element in keeping people from winter depression. So we illuminate Christmas trees, decorate our houses and gardens with strings of light, burn candles throughout our homes and logs in our fireplaces, and light up our city streets. Hanukkah foods are full of symbolism. The favorite potato pancake is a golden symbol of the sun, and the oil in which it fries is a reminder of the sacred oil that gave its all for the temple.

Conclusion:

Diwali encourages us to battle darkness day in and day out, starting with ourselves and the world. It asks us to continue to shine our talents, gifts, capacities for the benefit of the society, religion and the nation. There is the worry of lack of oil (Maccabean legend), lack of justice (Legend of Lord Rama), want of Prosperity (Legend of goddess Lakshmi), lack of peace in Manipur. Let us all be a part of this Festival of Light sharing the light in relevant and thoughtful ways for the good of our communities.