From Samhain to Diwali: A Global Journey of Festival of Lights

Updated On: April 16, 2024 by   Maha Yassin

Throughout history, cultures worldwide have been fascinated by the interplay of light and darkness, crafting celebrations that honour the triumph of light. From the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest season, to the vibrant Indian festival of Diwali, light has been a symbolic manifestation of optimism and unity. As the days grow shorter in many parts of the world, these festivals offer a beacon of joy and hope, illuminating the darker months.

Diwali, perhaps the most widely known Festival of Lights, is an extraordinary amalgamation of religious, aesthetic, and cultural traditions observed by millions across the globe. This five-day event encapsulates the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Fireworks, clay lamps, and intricate rangoli designs are emblematic of Diwali’s visual richness, while the worship of the goddess Lakshmi reflects its spiritual depth.

Historical Significance of Diwali: Festival of Lights

Diwali, or Deepavali, has profound historical significance, deeply rooted in various legends of Hinduism. It embodies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

The festival commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after vanquishing the demon king Ravana. This triumphant return is symbolised by lighting lamps, representing Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshman, guiding them back home and restoring moral order.

In another tradition, Diwali marks the defeat of Narakasura by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama, symbolising the victory of knowledge over ignorance. This tale echoes the theme of light prevailing over darkness across many cultures.

• Rama’s Return: Welcoming the exiled prince to Ayodhya with rows of lamps.
• Defeat of Narakasura: Celebrating the success of Krishna and Satyabhama.

The Goddess Lakshmi, epitomising wealth and prosperity, is worshipped during Diwali. It’s believed that she roams the earth on this night and enters clean and pure homes.

• Goddess Lakshmi: Honoured for prosperity and well-being.

Historically, Diwali is an amalgamation of festive joy and significant moral lessons extracted from various Hindu scriptures. Its essence lies not only in the spectacular displays of light but also in internal enlightenment. Hence, we find Diwali imbibing a spirit that transcends mere celebration to affect a deeper change in our understanding of life’s duality, guided by the historical ethos of Hinduism.

Cultural and Religious Context for the Festival of Lights

Across various cultures, light symbolises hope, purity, and the victory of good over evil. One of the oldest of such festivals is Samhain, which marks the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter. Samhain now blends with modern Halloween celebrations but historically involved lighting bonfires to protect against spirits as part of ancient Celtic traditions.

In contrast, Diwali—also known as Deepavali, meaning “row of lights”—is a major Hindu festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists worldwide. Each faith has its unique narratives and rituals woven into Diwali’s tapestry:

• Hindus mark the return of Lord Rama and Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings;
• Sikhs observe the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment;
• Jains honour the memory of Lord Mahavira’s attainment of moksha or nirvana;
• Buddhists (specifically the Newar Buddhists of Nepal) celebrate Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism.

Celebrations typically last five days, beginning with Dhanteras and concluding with Bhai Dooj. The festival peaks on the third day, aligned with the darkest new moon night of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik. Here is a snapshot of Diwali rituals:

Day	Rituals
Dhanteras	Shopping for gold & utensils
Naraka Chaturdashi	Decorating homes with lights
Diwali	Poojas to Goddess Lakshmi, lighting diyas
Govardhan Puja	Worship of Lord Krishna, feasting
Bhai Dooj	Celebrating the brother-sister bond

Homes and temples are illuminated with lamps and diyas, signifying the passage from darkness to light, which resonates across faiths and traditions, fostering a shared sense of community and joy.

Festive Practices and Traditions

The myriad of festive practices and traditions is a testament to the rich tapestry of cultural celebrations. Here, we explore the distinctive customs that mark occasions like Samhain and Diwali, delving into the rituals, gastronomy, and vibrant light spectacles that define these times of togetherness and joy.

Rituals and Ceremonies

Both Samhain and Diwali are steeped in ritual significance. During Samhain, which marks the end of the harvest season, we see ancient Celtic practices such as lighting bonfires and paying homage to ancestors. Meanwhile, Diwali, known as the festival of lights, sees millions engage in puja or prayers, notably the Lakshmi Puja, invoking prosperity and well-being. Govardhan Puja follows, celebrating the mythological victory of Lord Krishna. The tradition of Bhai Dooj also graces this time, strengthening the bond between brothers and sisters.

Foods and Sweets

Feasts and sweets are central to both celebrations. During Samhain, traditional dishes like colcannon and barmbrack grace our tables, using harvested produce such as apples and pumpkins. Diwali is renowned for its array of sweets like gulab jamun, laddu, and savoury snacks shared amongst family and friends as a symbol of goodwill and to ensure a sweet year ahead.

Lights and Fireworks

Samhain’s guiding lights originally came from protective bonfires. In stark contrast, Diwali illuminates thousands of diyas (oil lamps) and intricate rangoli patterns that adorn entrances, courtyards, and homes. Firecrackers lend a sense of awe and spectacle, symbolising the driving away of evil spirits and the welcoming of light over darkness in both festivals.

Significance of Light in Celebrations

Throughout various cultures, light is a powerful symbol in celebrations, often representing purity, goodness, and the victory of light over darkness. Take, for instance, Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights. It is a time when families light diyas and set off fireworks to signify Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. During Diwali night, the skies are illuminated, transforming the occasion into a visual spectacle of hope.

In many traditions, the glow of oil lamps or candles signifies dispelling ignorance and welcoming wisdom. Kartika, a month in the Hindu lunar calendar, is punctuated by the lighting of lamps, marking a period steeped in spiritual significance.

• Key elements of light in celebrations:
  • Diyas: Small oil lamps commonly used during Diwali.
  • Candles: Universal symbols of remembrance and reflection.
  • Lights: Represents joy, hope, and rejuvenation across cultures.

By lighting lamps, we affirm our commitment to fostering brightness in times of darkness. Whether it is a single diya or a multitude of candles, lighting them is a shared gesture that transcends cultural boundaries, embracing the universal human experience and our collective quest for light.

Diwali Across the World

Diwali, celebrated by over a billion people globally, is a testament to the unifying power of culture and festivity. As one of the major Hindu festivals, it’s heartening to see its essence of light conquering darkness embraced in different forms worldwide.

Regional Variations

In India, Diwali is not just a national holiday but a cornerstone of cultural life, particularly in North India, where cities are ablaze with earthen lamps and the skies alight with fireworks. The festival often honours Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. However, regional narratives frame Diwali’s significance, such as in Nepal, where it marks the victory of Lord Vishnu over the demon king Bali.

Traditionally, in any home, you’d find the following:

• Diyo Lamps: Often lit in rows to invite Lakshmi.
• Rangoli: Colourful patterns created on the floor using coloured rice, sand, or flower petals.

International Observances

Mauritius, where a significant Hindu population resides, observes Diwali with similar devotion as seen in India, making it one of the vibrant national holidays. Guyana, with its rich history of Indian indentured servants, celebrates the occasion by lighting homes with beautiful diyas.

In Trinidad and Tobago and Malaysia, communities come together, illuminating spaces with lights and sharing sweets. The sight in Singapore is magnificent, and the streets in Little India are dazzled with ornate decorations.

Moreover, we see that:

• In countries like Mauritius, Diwali brings family and community together with feasting and fireworks.
• Malaysian celebrations often culminate in a public holiday, a testament to the festival’s significance.

Globally, Diwali’s ethos mirrors our shared human experiences in triumphing over adversity and fostering unity. Diwali’s international observance reflects a world that, despite cultural differences, finds common ground in the universal language of celebration.

Diwali and the Goddess Lakshmi

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is a time of jubilation that honours the goddess Lakshmi, who represents wealth and prosperity. During the festivities, it is believed that Lakshmi visits homes, bestowing her blessings upon those who welcome her with open hearts and illuminated surroundings.

• Lakshmi Puja: Essential to Diwali is the Lakshmi Puja, a ceremony where we perform prayers to honour and invite the goddess into our homes. Devotees decorate their living spaces with diyas (oil lamps) and rangoli (floor art), creating an atmosphere of warmth and auspiciousness.
• Significance: The reverence of Lakshmi during Diwali symbolises our desire for wealth in material terms and spiritual richness. We seek a life filled with good fortune and success by invoking Lakshmi’s grace.
• Offerings: Tradition calls for an array of sweets and fruits to be offered during the puja. These offerings are a token of gratitude and a way to please the goddess.
• Goddess Lakshmi: Often depicted with four hands, Lakshmi stands for the four aims of human life as described in Hindu philosophy: dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth), kama (desires), and moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).

Through Diwali’s celebration of light, we not only illuminate our homes but also strive to kindle the divine light within us, dispelling ignorance and opening our lives to the divine qualities of Lakshmi.

Environmental Impact and Modern Concerns

In our global festivities, the joy of celebrations often comes with significant environmental considerations, particularly concerning using firecrackers and the need for sustainable practices.

Use of Firecrackers

The use of firecrackers, a traditional element in many celebrations, contributes to air and noise pollution. During Diwali, the bursting of loud firecrackers emits harmful chemicals that degrade air quality. This practice leads to the rise of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. A study on air quality during Diwali indicates a substantial spike in PM2.5 levels, which can cause respiratory ailments.

Sustainable Practices

To mitigate the environmental impact of festivities, we see a shift towards sustainable practices like adopting eco-friendly firecrackers that reduce emissions. Energy-efficient LED lights have become more prominent, lowering electricity consumption and bills. Moreover, the trend of eco-conscious gifting and the use of biodegradable materials indicate a move towards environmentally responsible celebrations.

Implementing these sustainable choices protects our environment and preserves the essence of our cultural traditions for future generations.

Calendar and Astronomy

In exploring the connections between Samhain and Diwali, we discover that both festivals are deeply rooted in lunar cycles and astronomical observations. These elements serve not only to determine their timing but also to impute deeper significance to the celebrations.

Lunar Calendar

Samhain is traditionally celebrated at the end of the harvest season and marks the beginning of winter. It corresponds with the Gregorian calendar’s end of October and the start of November. This period roughly coincides with halfway between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice, when the sun’s light wanes and the nights grow longer. The lunar calendar influence is evident as Samhain falls on the eve of November, often associated with the dark moon phase, signifying the death of the old and the beginning of the new.

On the other hand, Diwali’s date is calculated using the Hindu lunar calendar, which aligns with the cycles of the Moon. It falls in the month of Kartik and is celebrated on Amavasya, the new moon day, considered the darkest day of the Hindu lunisolar month. This period usually spans the Gregorian calendar’s end of October to early November. The celebration symbolises the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil, using the new moon metaphorically representing these themes.

Astronomical Significance

The astronomical significance of these festivals is profound. Samhain occurs when the division between light and dark shifts, and the night becomes dominant, signalling a time to honour the dead and the spiritual world. The festival is an acknowledgement of the end of the fruitful phase of the Earth and the commencement of the dark winter months.

Diwali’s astronomical importance lies in the festival’s celebration during the darkest night, which allows the lights of the diyas (lamps), fireworks, and other illuminations to stand out even more significantly against the night sky. These practices reflect the human endeavour to spiritually conquer darkness with light, aligning with the cosmic rhythm of the lunar cycle’s darkest phase. The lights of Diwali can thus be seen as a reflection of the stars and heavenly bodies that punctuate the night sky, serving both as a metaphor and a literal homage to the celestial.

The Art and Aesthetics of Diwali

Diwali, known as the festival of lights, is a vibrant celebration marked by its rich art and decorations. This festival sees homes and public spaces adorned with rangoli, intricate patterns made on the floor using coloured rice, dry flour, or flower petals. These designs are not only visually appealing but also symbolise strength and generosity.

The lighting of diyas, or clay lamps, is central to the festival. These small lamps, often filled with oil and a cotton wick, illuminate spaces with a warm, gentle glow. The lighting represents the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

We see a blend of traditional and contemporary art in the spirit of Diwali. Hand-painted diyas and decorations reflect the deep-rooted cultural significance whilst adapting to modern aesthetics. The confluence of Sanskrit motifs and current artistic trends results in décor that is meaningful and stylish.

Art during Diwali extends to fashion, as people don traditional attire embroidered with gold and bright colours. The garments and jewellery worn during the festivities are as much a part of the art of Diwali as the visual decorations adorning the environment.

The aesthetics of Diwali combine age-old traditions with present-day artistry, creating an environment ripe with culture and beauty. Whether through the meticulous creation of rangoli or lighting the simplest of diyas, the art of Diwali is a testament to the ever-evolving canvas of human expression.

Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance in myriad artistic forms, each resonating with the joyous spirit of the festival.

Diwali as a Reflection of Indian Philosophy

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is a profound expression of Indian philosophy, embodying core principles that resonate deeply within Hinduism. The festival signifies the triumph of good over evil, a fundamental aspect of Hindu thought, and illuminates our understanding of dharma (righteousness) and karma (action).

At the heart of Diwali is the celebration of knowledge and enlightenment. The array of lights, or diyas, symbolises the light of wisdom piercing the darkness of ignorance, mirroring the philosophical quest for truth central to Hindu beliefs.

Dharma is vividly honoured during Diwali, with traditions and rituals that reflect the moral and ethical obligations outlined in Hindu texts. We see this through acts of generosity and the invocation of prosperity, which signify the alignment of personal actions with universal ethics.

Karma also plays a significant role. The practices surrounding Diwali encourage positive deeds, which align with the idea that our actions lead to future consequences and that by doing good, we accumulate merit that influences our future experiences.

In conclusion, Diwali is a time for joyous celebration and a profound reflection of the philosophical tenets of Hinduism. Diwali encourages us to aspire to a life of righteousness and spiritual enlightenment through its emphasis on light, knowledge, and ethical living.

Legends and Mythology of Diwali

In the tapestry of legends underpinning Diwali, different regions of India celebrate for various reasons, yet all of them represent the victory of light over darkness.

• The Return of Lord Rama: Perhaps the most prominent among Diwali legends is the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman, to Ayodhya after a period of exile and overcoming the demon king Ravana. It is their homecoming that the rows of brightly lit lamps, known as ‘diyas’, celebrate, symbolising the light guiding them back and the triumph of good over evil.
• Lord Krishna and Demon Narakasura: Another tale details Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, whose defeat is another embodiment of light conquering darkness. This story is more commonly celebrated in South India and is especially significant because it represents the liberation of imprisoned souls and the restoration of righteousness.
• Goddess Lakshmi: We often associate Diwali with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, who signifies wealth and prosperity. Devotees clean and decorate their homes, hoping to invite her blessings into their lives.
• Lord Vishnu and King Bali: Some traditions detail Lord Vishnu’s dwarf incarnation, Vamana, subduing the demon-king Bali, another broader metaphor for the divine quelling the chaotic and evil forces.
• Yama and Nachiketa: The story of Yama, the god of death, and the young sage Nachiketa tells a saga of ethical strength and spiritual enlightenment, crystallising the essence of knowledge’s light, dispelling the shadows of ignorance.

These varied narratives, forming the mythological fabric of Diwali, are woven into a grand celebration of moral and spiritual illumination across India, reminding us yearly that light will persist in the face of darkness.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we address common inquiries about light’s historical and cultural significance in festivals such as Diwali and Samhain, contrasting their origins, practices, and the stories that shape these celebrations.

What are the origins of the Diwali festival?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a time-honoured festival that has been celebrated for over 2,500 years. Rooted in Hindu culture, the festival also holds significance for Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

How do various cultures observe Diwali?

Across different regions and cultures, Diwali is observed with distinct traditions but shares common practices such as lighting lamps, exchanging gifts, and offering prayers. The celebration spans five days, with each day holding its unique significance and rituals.

What is the significance of light in Diwali celebrations?

Light in Diwali is central, representing hope, renewal, and the triumph of good over evil. Lanterns, oil lamps, and fireworks illuminate homes and skies, symbolising an invitation to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

How do the traditions and practices of Samhain differ from Diwali?

Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival from which Halloween has evolved, signifies the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter. Unlike Diwali’s emphasis on light, Samhain was traditionally a time of darkness, focusing on appeasing spirits and acknowledging the dark half of the year.

What stories and mythology underpin the celebration of Samhain?

Samhain is rich in folklore and myth, with stories focusing on the Otherworld becoming accessible to humans. It’s a time when the boundary between worlds is thin, and spirits are honoured. Tales of mythical creatures such as fairies and the dead are prevalent during Samhain celebrations.

In what ways are light-themed festivals like Samhain and Diwali related?

Both light-themed festivals, Samhain and Diwali, celebrate the cyclical nature of life, the end of one period and the beginning of another. While Diwali welcomes the light into homes, Samhain is a reverent acknowledgement of darker days ahead, with light in the form of bonfires representing protection and purification as winter approaches.