'A lightweight on the finish of the tunnel': Winnipeggers rejoice Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas

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After the pandemic dimmed final 12 months’s Diwali celebrations, Winnipeggers like Manju Lodha and her husband, Ganpat Lodha, are completely satisfied to at the least have folks over and really feel that Diwali is as soon as once more a vibrant spot. 

“Final 12 months was actual unhappy, however this 12 months has been extra enjoyable,” Manju stated.

Code purple pandemic restrictions final 12 months made for a way more subdued Diwali, which would usually see 1000’s of Hindus, Jains and Sikhs in Winnipeg collect to ring within the vacation. 

Diwali did not fairly return to regular this 12 months, however with gathering restrictions eased for vaccinated Manitobans, that they had one other household over to supply puja to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and luck, earlier than lighting sparklers and fireworks within the yard and sharing meals. 

The Lodhas celebrated Diwali with one other household this 12 months, which was a welcome change from final 12 months. (Prabhjot Singh Lotey/CBC)

Ganpat was born Jain but additionally practices Hinduism. He took a while to worship Mahavir Swami, the twenty third Tirthankara of Jainism, as effectively.  

Diwali derives from the Sanskrit phrase “deepavali,” which interprets to a “row or sequence of lights.” 

“It is gentle over darkness, friendship over animosity, love towards hatred,” Manju stated. 

WATCH | How Winnipeg households celebrated Diwali this 12 months:

Winnipeggers rejoice Diwali

The Sandhu and Lodha households invited CBC to see how they and lots of different Manitobans celebrated the annual pageant of lights. 1:56

A brand new 12 months, a brand new hope

Whereas Hindus, Jains and Sikhs rejoice the five-day pageant in their very own methods, candles, lamps, sparklers and fireworks play a giant half throughout the board.

Fireworks are a giant a part of Diwali celebrations. (Prabhjot Singh Lotey/CBC)

And Raj Sandhu’s Winnipeg dwelling was no exception. 

Final 12 months throughout lockdown, Sandhu spent two days placing collectively a five-metre tall wallpaper depiction of the Golden Temple of Amritsar, Sikhism’s most necessary non secular website. It has been a everlasting fixture in his dwelling ever since. 

“It is simply giving that constructive gentle each single day,” Sandhu stated. 

Raj Sandhu’s pandemic undertaking was a five-metre tall wallpaper depiction of the Golden Temple of Amritsar. (Cory Funk/CBC)

This 12 months he was thrilled to share it with household, associates and neighbours, who he notified forward of time concerning the fireworks taking place in his yard. 

On Diwali, Sikhs additionally rejoice Bandi Chhor Divas, recognized additionally because the “day of liberation.” It commemorates the day Guru Hargobind ji was launched from jail, and on the similar time helped safe the discharge of 52 Hindu kings as effectively.  

“Standing for others, ensuring good issues occur round you and being constructive … that is what the entire pageant is about,” Sandhu stated. 

Sandhu made positive to let his neighbours know he’d be safely lighting fireworks in his yard for Bandi Chhor Divas. (Prabhjot Singh Lotey/CBC)

Sikhs carry out a particular prayer referred to as Ardas, which Sandhu says is a prayer for the well-being of the entire world. And on Bandi Chhor Divas, he stated the folks struggling beneath the pandemic and the farmers protesting in India have been prime of thoughts. 

“There is a gentle on the finish of the tunnel,” he stated.

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