Diwali is a five-day festival of lights and is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs
• Sikhs also celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, which will be marked today (Saturday 14 November)
• Amrit Shahi from the West Midlands Police Sikh Association explains how she’ll celebrate this year during lockdown
Today (Saturday 14 November), many of us will be marking Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas but the closure of places of worship means virtual celebrations will take place instead.
Hindus, Jains and Sikhs all traditionally celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas with prayer and worship, by lighting lamps, visiting friends and relatives, having feasts and fireworks.
But Amrit Shahi, of the West Midlands Police Sikh Association, says that things will be different this year because of lockdown.
Amrit Shahi, West Midlands Police Sikh Association
She said: “People of all faiths have had to find alternative ways to mark and celebrate significant events this year. This will apply to Bandi Chhor Divas. It’s normally observed by attending the Gurdwara, listening to prayers, lighting candles and meeting family and friends.
“But this year these celebrations will be adapted. Households will be having virtual get-togethers with family and friends instead.
“On Saturday, I’ll be listening to prayers and hymns being streamed live from the Gurdwara on TV. I will also try to attend the Gurdwara in the morning to say my prayers. I know it’s staying open with strict lockdown guidance in place.
“Then in the evening, I’ve decided I’m going to still dress up in our traditional Indian clothes like I normally would. I’m going to make some celebration food such as samosa, pakoras and spring rolls and we’ll also light some candles and have some fireworks.
“However our Hindu, Sikh and Jain colleagues choose to celebrate this year under lockdown, I hope it feels just as special.”
• Diwali is a festival of lights and is celebrated by millions of Hindus who mark the return of deities Rama and Sita to Ayodhya after their 14-year exile. They also celebrate the day Mother Goddess Durga destroyed a demon called Mahisha.
• Jains commemorate the moment Lord Mahavira reached a state called Moksha (nirvana, or eternal bliss).
• On Diwali Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas. It commemorates the day that the sixth guru Hargobind Singh was released from prison in 1619 (although Sikhs did celebrate the festival before this date)