I notice that there are some people who are asking if Christians celebrate Diwali or Divali or Deepavali. Well, the answer is no because it is a Hindu celebration.
So, who celebrates Diwali? According to Wikipedia :
Deepavali, or Diwali is a major Indian festival, and a significant festival in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. [3] Many legends are associated with Diwali. Today it is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs across the globe as the “Festival of Lights,” where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being. The festival is also celebrated by Buddhists of Nepal, particularly the Newar Buddhists.
In many parts of India, it is the homecoming of King Rama of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile in the forest.[4] The people of Ayodhya (the capital of his kingdom) welcomed Rama by lighting rows (avali) of lamps (deepa), thus its name, Deepavali. This word, in due course, became Diwali in Hindi. But, in South Indian languages, the word did not undergo any change, and hence the festival is called Deepavali in southern India. Southern India marks it as the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura.
Diwali is celebrated on the first day of the lunar Kartika month, which comes in the month of October or November.
However, having said that, if we live in a multi-religious, multi-racial country, what’s stopping us from feeling joyful and in a celebratory mood with our fellow countrymen or relatives? Just yesterday, an Indian friend who is a Catholic was changing dollar notes so that she can give them away as packets of gifts money to the kids. Many Indian families have relatives from both the Christian faith and Hindu faith and they celebrate together. When it is Christmas, the Christians will celebrate with the Hindus. That’s the whole purpose of celebrating, isn’t it? Being in one with our relatives, friends and loved ones without the hang-ups of ‘your faith and my faith’.
But the fact is Deepavali is a celebration of the Hindu faith and not a Christian’s celebration. However, Chinese New Year is not a faith celebration but rather a culture and traditional celebration so Chinese Christians do celebrate Chinese New Year, minus the worshiping of god of fortune or offerings meals to the deceased ancestors.
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