Happy Diwali

I would like to wish a very happy Diwali to all those celebrating the festival of lights. Diwali is a uniquely uniting festival which brings together people of different faiths: Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, some Buddhists and also those who are of no faith.

Different religions celebrate Diwali for to commemorate different events. Hindus celebrate Diwali in honor of the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana from 14 years of excile. Sikhs celebrate the arrival of Guru Har Gobind at the Golden Temple in Amritsar after freeing himself from the prison of the Mughal Emperor. Budhists celebrate Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism following the Kalinga War.

It is a truly joyous occasion signifying light triumphing over darkness and good over evil. As the diyas are being lit, I wish a very peaceful Diwali to the millions celebrating the festival of lights both here in the UK and across the world.