Council and democracy

Celebrate Divali Safely

What is Diwali (Divali)

Diwali (Deepavali) Hindu/Jain
This is a Hindu New Year festival lasting from one to five days.
Diwali (Bandi Chhor Divas) Sikh
Sikhs also celebrate Divali as the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind, was released from Gwalior prison on this day.

Diwali (Deepavali) Hindu/Jain

This is a Hindu New Year festival lasting from one to five days, during which lights are hung out and fireworks are exploded. For both Hindu and Sikhs it is a Festival of Light, coinciding with the darkest night of the Lunar month. Various interpretations are given to the festival in different parts of India, but it is generally associated with Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity or with the victorious return of Rama and Sita to the Kingdom of Ayodhya after their exile. Divali marks the beginning of the Indian financial year.

Diwali (Bandi Chhor Divas) Sikh

Sikhs also celebrate Divali as the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind, was released from Gwalior prison on this day. The Guru refused to accept release when it was offered by the Emperor Jehangir unless 52 imprisoned Hindu princes were also given their freedom. To meet the Emperor’s conditions that only those who could hold on to his cloak could leave the prison, the Guru had a coat with long tassels made. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is illuminated at this time and firework displays take place there. It is a time for new clothes, presents and sweets.


This file contains Fire Safety information in a range of languages.