Light has always been a powerful symbol in human history, representing hope, joy, and the triumph of good over evil. It transcends borders and languages, resonating with a fundamental human yearning for warmth and connection. Around the world, cultures have long celebrated this connection through various festivals of light, each one unique in its customs yet universally uplifting. Whether it’s the warmth of flickering oil lamps during Diwali, the shimmering glow of candles during Hanukkah, or the enchanting spectacle of lanterns during the Chinese Lantern Festival, these celebrations bring people together to honor history, tradition, and the enduring power of light to dispel darkness.
One of the most widely recognized festivals of light is Diwali, the Hindu festival celebrated predominantly in India and by communities across the world. Known as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali marks the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. The legend behind Diwali varies slightly in different parts of India, but a common narrative is the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile, during which he vanquished the demon king Ravana. To celebrate his homecoming, the people of Ayodhya lit up the entire city with rows of oil lamps, known as diyas, symbolizing the triumph of light over the dark forces. Today, this tradition lives on as households illuminate their homes with oil lamps, electric lights, and colorful rangoli designs made from colored powders or flower petals. Diwali also involves exchanging gifts, preparing festive meals, and lighting fireworks—acts that further emphasize the celebratory and communal nature of the occasion.
Diwali’s significance extends beyond Hinduism; it is also celebrated by Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. For Sikhs, Diwali commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh guru, from imprisonment by the Mughal emperor Jahangir. His return to Amritsar was met with great celebration, and the Golden Temple is illuminated each year with thousands of lights to honor this historic event. In Jainism, Diwali marks the attainment of moksha, or liberation, by Lord Mahavira, the last of the Tirthankaras. For Buddhists, particularly in Nepal, the festival signifies Emperor Ashoka’s adoption of Buddhism as a path of peace and enlightenment. Thus, Diwali’s symbolism of light transcends its religious roots, encompassing themes of freedom, spiritual awakening, and the shared human desire for a brighter tomorrow.
Another prominent festival of light is Hanukkah, also known as the “Festival of Lights” or the “Feast of Dedication.” Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century BCE, after it had been defiled by the forces of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. According to Jewish tradition, when the Jewish people, led by the Maccabees, reclaimed the temple, they found only a small amount of consecrated oil—enough to keep the temple’s menorah lit for just one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, allowing time for new oil to be prepared. This miracle is at the heart of Hanukkah, which is celebrated by lighting the menorah, an eight-branched candelabrum, with an additional candle known as the shamash used to light the others. Each night, one more candle is lit, symbolizing the gradual increase of light and hope.
Hanukkah is a celebration of resilience, faith, and community. Families gather to light the menorah, recite prayers, and sing songs that have been passed down through generations. Traditional foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) are enjoyed, both of which are fried in oil to commemorate the miracle of the oil. The game of dreidel, a spinning top, is also a popular Hanukkah tradition, often played by children, with each side of the dreidel bearing a Hebrew letter that represents the phrase “Nes Gadol Haya Sham”—”A great miracle happened there.” Through these customs, Hanukkah reinforces the importance of faith, the endurance of the Jewish people, and the belief that even in the darkest times, a spark of light can bring hope.
In East Asia, the Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolizing the return of light and warmth as spring approaches. Dating back over two thousand years, the Lantern Festival takes place on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, when the moon is at its brightest. On this night, people of all ages gather to release lanterns into the sky or set them afloat on rivers and lakes, creating a breathtaking spectacle of floating lights. The lanterns, often decorated with intricate designs or riddles, are a symbol of letting go of the past and inviting good fortune for the year to come. They also represent the reunion of family, as the festival is an occasion for loved ones to come together and celebrate.
The Lantern Festival also includes dragon and lion dances, performances believed to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity. Yuanxiao, sweet glutinous rice dumplings filled with red bean paste, sesame, or peanuts, are eaten during the festival, symbolizing unity and completeness. The Lantern Festival is not only a celebration of light but also of community, as people gather in public spaces to admire the lantern displays, solve riddles, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. It underscores the idea that light is a source of connection, bridging the gap between individuals and creating a sense of belonging.
In Japan, the Obon Festival, or simply Bon, is another significant celebration involving light, although it takes place in the summer rather than during the colder months. Obon is a Buddhist festival honoring the spirits of deceased ancestors. It is believed that during Obon, the spirits return to the world of the living to visit their families. To guide the spirits back, Japanese families light lanterns, both in their homes and in cemeteries, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere. At the end of the festival, floating lanterns, known as “toro nagashi,” are released onto rivers and lakes, symbolizing the spirits’ return to the other world. This gentle glow of the floating lanterns is a reminder of the impermanence of life and the enduring connection between the living and their ancestors.
The Festival of Lights in Lyon, France, known as Fête des Lumières, is a more contemporary yet culturally rich celebration of light. Every year in December, the entire city of Lyon is transformed into a dazzling display of artistic light installations, attracting millions of visitors from around the world. The origins of the festival date back to 1852, when the people of Lyon lit candles in their windows to express gratitude to the Virgin Mary for sparing the city from a devastating plague. Today, the festival showcases the work of artists and designers, who use light as a medium to create immersive and thought-provoking displays. The Fête des Lumières highlights the power of art to bring people together and transform urban spaces into something magical, even if only for a few nights.
Despite the cultural, religious, and geographical differences that shape these festivals, they all share a common thread: the power of light to bring people together, foster a sense of hope, and celebrate life. Whether it is through the quiet reverence of candles being lit in a Jewish home, the joyous explosion of fireworks over an Indian neighborhood, or the serene beauty of lanterns floating down a Japanese river, the symbolism of light resonates deeply within us all. These festivals remind us that no matter how dark the world may seem, there is always a light to be found, and in coming together to celebrate that light, we find strength, joy, and a shared humanity.
The universality of light as a symbol speaks to a fundamental human desire for connection and understanding. In illuminating our homes, streets, and skies, we also illuminate our hearts, drawing closer to one another across the divides of culture, religion, and language. The festivals of light that take place around the world are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and our unyielding belief in the power of hope, making them not just celebrations of light, but celebrations of life itself.
