Hyderabad: Diwali in Hyderabad goes beyond the familiar rituals of lighting lamps and bursting firecrackers, with different communities marking the festival through their own traditions. From Bandi Chhor Divas in Sikh households and Diwali Pahat musical gatherings among Maharashtrians to Mahavira’s nirvana for Jains and midnight Kali Puja among Bengalis, the festival carries varied meanings across the city.
For the Sikh community, Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorating the release of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib, from imprisonment along with 52 kings. Maharashtra Mandal Telangana secretary Parag Vadhavkar said its Diwali Pahat programme, featuring classical music and Sugam Sangeet, has been organised for the past 15-20 years.
Manish Jain of Jain Seva Sangh said this principle shapes the community’s approach to firecrackers. We generally don’t burn crackers at all, but now there are very few who do, and they opt for eco-friendly ones,” he said. The tradition of lighting diyas is associated with his return to Amritsar, when the Golden Temple was illuminated to welcome him. For Maharashtrians, music is an integral part of the festival. The early-morning musical gathering has become a tradition for the community. For Jains, Diwali marks the nirvana, or liberation, of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, at Pawapuri in Bihar. The festival also serves as a reminder of his teachings, particularly ahimsa, or non-violence. “We know it can be difficult to stop bursting firecrackers altogether, but one can at least try to encourage green crackers.