शान्तिर्भगवति देवी प्रकाशं सुरुपो जगतः।
अमृतं ते च वाक्यं निर्मलं धर्मस्य महिमा॥
(May the divine light of peace and wisdom illuminate the world. May your words be nectar, pure and embodying the glory of dharma.)
As the festival season approaches, Diwali 2025 is set to fill homes, temples, gurdwaras, and Jain mandirs with divine radiance once again. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is far more than an occasion of joy, sweets, and fireworks — it is a profound spiritual journey from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge, and from material existence to liberation.
Derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali (meaning – a row of lamps), Diwali symbolizes the illumination of the soul. Across Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism, this luminous festival carries timeless lessons of righteousness, freedom, and enlightenment. Though each faith observes it differently, all share one truth : light always triumphs over darkness.
ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय। तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय। मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय।
(Lead me from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, and from death to immortality.)
This ancient Upanishadic mantra beautifully captures Diwali’s essence — the eternal quest for truth and liberation.
For Hindus:
The Return of Lord Rama and the Victory of Dharma
For Hindus, Diwali 2025 marks the joyous return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. The city welcomed him with rows of glowing diyas, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
This central event from the Ramayana embodies the deeper truth of dharma (righteousness) triumphing over adharma (unrighteousness). Lighting lamps, therefore, is not just a ritual — it is a declaration that virtue and truth always prevail.
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
(Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya – Salutations to the Divine Lord Vishnu)
This sacred mantra, often recited during Diwali, reminds devotees that the divine light resides within every heart. In some traditions, Diwali is also linked with Lord Krishna, who destroyed the demon Narakasura, freeing countless souls — again symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
The festival’s customs carry spiritual symbolism:
Cleaning and decorating homes reflect purification of the heart and mind.
Lighting diyas represents igniting the flame of wisdom within.
Lakshmi Puja invokes not just material prosperity, but spiritual abundance.
Exchanging sweets and love fosters unity and compassion.
Thus, for Hindus, Diwali is a reminder to live ethically, cultivate gratitude, and allow inner light to guide every action.
For Sikhs :
The Liberation of Guru Hargobind Ji (Bandi Chhor Divas)
For Sikhs, Diwali 2025 coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, or the Day of Liberation. It commemorates the historic release of Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, from imprisonment in Gwalior Fort in 1619 — along with 52 other kings whom he freed through his compassion and wisdom.
When Guru Ji returned to Amritsar, the city was illuminated with countless lamps in his honour. This event came to represent spiritual freedom — not just from physical captivity, but from ego, attachment, and ignorance.
वाहे गुरु
(Wonderful Guru – the Light of Divine Wisdom)
For Sikhs, Diwali is a reminder that true liberation comes through Naam Simran (meditation on the Divine Name), service (seva), and standing up for justice and equality. Lighting diyas at the Golden Temple or Gurdwaras signifies the victory of light — the eternal wisdom of the Guru — over darkness.
The essence of Bandi Chhor Divas lies in :
Freedom through faith : Liberation from worldly attachments and inner fears.
Moral courage : Guru Hargobind Ji’s example teaches strength in righteousness.
Unity in light: Diwali celebrations bring communities together in peace and remembrance.
“जप नाम गुरु ग्रंथ साहिब के अनुसार”
(Chant the Divine Name as guided by the Guru Granth Sahib)
Through prayers, kirtans, and langars, Sikhs celebrate not only a historical victory but also a spiritual awakening — reaffirming that the light of the Guru dispels all darkness.
For Jains:
The Nirvana of Lord Mahavira
In Jainism, Diwali marks one of the most sacred events in history — the nirvana (liberation) of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, in 527 BCE at Pawapuri, Bihar. On this night, Mahavira attained complete freedom from the cycle of birthand death, achieving moksha — the ultimate spiritual goal.
For Jains, Diwali 2025 is a time of introspection, fasting, and prayer. Lighting diyas symbolizes the eternal light of knowledge left behind by Mahavira — a guiding lamp for all souls seeking truth.
अहिंसा परमो धर्मः
(Ahimsa Paramo Dharma – Non-violence is the highest religion)
This core Jain teaching resonates deeply with Diwali’s message. It calls for the purification of the soul through compassion, humility, and detachment. Jains also honour Gautama Swami, Mahavira’s chief disciple, who attained Keval Gyan (omniscience) the same night.
Diwali rituals among Jains include:
Reciting the Uttaradhyayana Sutra (teachings of Mahavira).
Lighting lamps to symbolize knowledge dispelling ignorance.
Observing silence, meditation, and fasting to purify karma.
Charity and kindness to embody ahimsa and satya (truth).
ओम् अरिहंतं सम्यक दर्शन, सम्यक ज्ञान, सम्यक चरित्र
(Salutations to the Arihant — for right perception, knowledge, and conduct)
Through these observances, Jains reaffirm their dedication to the Three Jewels (Ratnatraya) — right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct — the essence of spiritual liberation.
A Shared Spiritual Essence Across Faiths
Despite diverse origins, Diwali unites Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains in its universal symbolism of light conquering darkness. The spiritual significance of Diwali 2025 resonates through three common themes :
- Illumination of the Inner Self – The outer lamps mirror the inner awakening of consciousness and wisdom.
- Victory of Goodness and Truth – Every tradition honours moral triumph — whether through Rama, the Guru, or Mahavira.
- Freedom and Renewal – Liberation from ignorance, ego, and bondage marks a new spiritual beginning.
सत्यं वद धर्मं चर अहिंसा च वर्तयेत्
(Speak truth, follow righteousness, and practice non-violence.)
This timeless Sanskrit verse beautifully summarizes the essence of Diwali across faiths — a call to live with honesty, virtue, and compassion.
Diwali 2025 : A Festival of Reflection, Light, and Unity
As we celebrate Diwali 2025, let us go beyond rituals and lights to embrace its deeper spiritual message.
For Hindus, it is the homecoming of Lord Rama and the blessing of Goddess Lakshmi.
For Sikhs, it marks the courage and liberation of Guru Hargobind Ji.
For Jains, it commemorates Lord Mahavira’s ultimate enlightenment.
Each of these narratives teaches us to:
Cleanse the mind and heart of negativity.
Light the lamp of knowledge and compassion.
Walk the path of truth, humility, and inner peace.
ॐ शांतिः शांतिः शांतिः ॥
Peace, Peace, Peace
May the divine light of Diwali 2025 illuminate our homes and hearts alike.
May it inspire us to seek wisdom, spread kindness, and live in harmony.
And may every lamp we light remind us that within each soul burns the eternal flame of divinity.
श्री गणेशाय नमः
(Salutations to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.)
