Gian Singh Kotli is a prominent Punjabi poet, writer and a widely respected community activitist now living in Vancouver, Canada. Kotli did his M.A. B.Ed., LL.B. from Calcutta University. He lived and worked in Calcutta for about 35 years.

His article entitled 'Bright side of Diwali, Bandi Chhor Day and Earthquake' is quite informative, inspiring and hopeful. - Editor

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Bright side of Diwali, Bandi Chhor Day and Earthquake

Gian Singh Kotli Vancouver, Canada

Without bothering much about its religious or historical background Diwali has come to be celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs as the Festival of Lights all over the world. Diwali means a row of earthen pots used for lights and its essence lies in removing darkness of ignorance and grief with the light of knowledge.

Over the centuries Diwali has come to signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, truth over falsehood, justice over injustice, peace over war, and love over hatred. It reminds us of removing the darkness of evil deeds from our hearts and to light our hearts with good deeds. Gifts of love and sweets are freely exchanged on this occasion breaking all barriers of cast, color and creed. Young kids from all walks of life are especially fond of this colorful festival. They eagerly await its arrival.

The legend goes that this day is celebrated to commemorate the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lachhman after spending 14 years of exile in the remote jungles. On their return to their kingdom, the over jubilant people tastefully lighted their homes to welcome them. It happened several thousand years ago. But the tradition goes on.

The release of Guru Hargobind Ji from Gwalior Fort coincides with festival of Diwali. This coincidence has resulted in similarity of celebration and harmony amongst Sikhs and Hindus. Guru Hargobind was imprisoned by Jehangir the emperor of India for preaching oneness of God, oneness of human race, love and service to all. Guru Ji refused to be freed unless the 52 Hindu Rajas (vassal kings) imprisoned with him were released. The emperor agreed to release those Rajas who could walk out holding Guru’s Chola (long gown). Guru Ji prepared a special gown having 52 strings and got the release of Rajas in 1619. When the Guru came to Amritsar the whole city was tastefully lighted up to welcome him. It is due to getting the release of 52 Rajas that Guru Hargobind Ji is revered as Bandi Chhorh (Liberator of detainees) and the day is celebrated as the "Bandi Chhorh Divas" (the day of release of detainees) signifying selfless service and universal brotherhood.

The martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh, the Granthi (Head Priest) of Golden Temple Amritsar is also commemorated on Diwali day, which is celebrated as Bandi Chhorh Diwas. Bhai Mani Singh was great scholar who transcribed the final version of Guru Granth Sahib upon dictation from Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1704. The Mogul governor of Punjab martyred him for staying steadfast in his faith in 1737.

The essence of celebrating the Festival of Lights lies in enlightening ourselves by acquiring the virtues of being kind, humble, meek, tolerant, selfless, sweet spoken. Guru Nanak Dev Ji tells us in Sri Guru Granth which lamp is to be lit. He says, God's Name (divine devotion) is my lamp to be lighted in the mind. I have put the oil of suffering; ego, jealousy, anger, lust, greed into it. Its flame has dried up this oil, and I have escaped facing the Messenger of Death and attained union with God.

Several times the happy occasion of Diwali the festival of Lights has been darkened by grievous events. This year too it has been over shadowed by tragic sufferings of the victims of earthquake in Pakistan. The earthquake of Muzafarabad in Pakistan occupied Kashmir has saddened the whole world. But it is so heartenig that the whole world has united wonderfully like one family to help the victims. The brighter side of this grim tragedy and a blessing in disguise can be seen here. The tragedy and the heart rendering groans of the victims seem to have touched the hearts of Pakistan and India, who fought several wars over Kashmir issue since 1947. Now both countries have joined hands in helping the victims keeping aside the past differences. India offered help. Pakistan accepted it. Indians and Indian army is entering Pakistan to help the victims.

Leaders from both sides deserve heartiest praise from all for this open heartedness. It seems the leaders of both countries have removed the darkness of long standing differences and enmity from their hearts with the light of love, sympathy and cooperation. This historical gesture of mutual help and goodwill is definitely a bright ray of hope for the bright and peaceful future of the two countries. This gesture of love and cooperation is clearly a God’s blessing in disguise on the happy occasion of Dewali.

May the Creator who is also known as God, Allah, Rabb, Rahim, Karim, Khuda, Ishwar, Parmatma and Waheguru, bless the leaders with love and cooperation in the larger interest of the people of Pakistan and India and the whole mankind.

-Gian Singh Kotli M.A.LL.B. Certified Translator, Society of Translator & Interpreters of B.C. Canada. Tel/Fax - 604 3216351