As a cultural expert with a deep understanding of the world's traditions, I am delighted to share insights into the festival of Diwali. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India and among the Indian diaspora. It is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness that transcends religious boundaries, as it is observed by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Newar Buddhists, each with their unique interpretations and traditions.

The spiritual significance of Diwali is profound and multifaceted. For Hindus, it marks the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile, as depicted in the Hindu epic Ramayana. This return symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, as Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana, who had abducted Sita. The lighting of lamps and bursting of fireworks during Diwali is a celebration of this victory and a reminder of the eternal struggle between good and evil.

For Jains, Diwali holds a different yet equally significant meaning. It commemorates the attainment of Moksha, or liberation, by Mahavira, the last Tirthankara of the Jain tradition. This event is celebrated as a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and the ultimate victory of the soul over worldly attachments.

Sikhs celebrate Diwali to mark the release of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, from the Gwalior Fort in 1619. His release, along with 52 other princes held captive by the Mughal emperor Jahangir, represents the victory of justice and freedom over oppression.

Newar Buddhists celebrate Diwali to honor the day when Buddha attained enlightenment, which is a pivotal moment in Buddhist history, symbolizing the attainment of ultimate wisdom and the overcoming of ignorance.

The festival is marked by several rituals and customs that are deeply rooted in tradition. Homes are cleaned and decorated with flowers, rangoli (colorful patterns made with colored powders), and lamps. The lighting of lamps and candles is a central theme of Diwali, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and the welcoming of light, knowledge, and positivity. Fireworks and the bursting of firecrackers add to the festive atmosphere, creating a vibrant and joyous environment.

Diwali is also a time for reunion and family gatherings. People exchange gifts, share sweets, and enjoy festive meals together. The festival lasts for five days, with each day holding a specific significance. The first day, Dhanteras, is dedicated to wealth and prosperity, followed by Naraka Chaturdasi, the day of victory over evil. The third day, the main day of Diwali, is when the victory of light over darkness is celebrated. The fourth day, Annkut, is dedicated to the creation of intricate designs depicting the cosmos, and the fifth day, Bhai Dooj, is a day to honor siblings and the bond between brothers and sisters.

In essence, Diwali is a festival that embodies the universal values of light, knowledge, and goodness. It is a time to celebrate life, to seek spiritual enlightenment, and to foster unity and harmony among people. The festival's message of hope and optimism resonates with people across the world, making Diwali a truly global celebration of the human spirit.

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Spiritual significance. Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs and Newar Buddhists to mark different historical events and stories, but they all symbolise the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, hope over despair.read more >>