Diwali - From Sikh perspective - 29th November 2016
Outside the Gurdewara in Tooting
Inside the Gurdewara, prayers are being offered.
Candles are lit as a sign of hope
Guru ji who reads from the Holy book and people listen quietly to him
Musicians who are singing holy songs and songs of praising God.
Special sweets being served due to the celebration of Diwali
The Sikh celebration of Diwali begins at home the night before as well as with the lightening of a "Diya" candle. The candle stays on throughout the night as it is refilled with oil.
The next day the Sikhs visit their temple (Gurduwara's) and listen to their prayers. Those are read from the Holy book written in a language known as "Gurmukhi" and also listen to the "Gayan ji" also known as the musicians. The prayer service can last up to 1 1/2 hours. Some of the recited prayers include how one should pray to God so you will be looked after, which includes family and loved ones. Also how God is everywhere whether a person is awake or asleep.
After the prayers people eat special prepared traditional foods and sweets and the day ends with fireworks in the frontyard.