South Asian festivals

The commercialisation and politicisation of Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas, and other South Asian festivals

By: Mason Mattu, Peak Associate If you were wondering why there were so many fireworks on October 31 and November 1, it’s because South Asians celebrated Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas on those days respectively. Diwali is the celebration of “light over darkness, of good over evil.” It is celebrated across a variety of South Asian religions and cultures. Bandi Chhor Divas is celebrated by those who follow Sikhi or Sikhism, and celebrates the day when Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was freed from wrongful imprisonment. With him, he brought 52 prisoners who were also wrongly accused of crimes by the…

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