Diwali : A Festival Transcending Faith in India

Like in the past, the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's House) will be illuminated for the Festival of Lights on Diwali. When lit up, it looks breathtaking. This tradition of illumination at the Rashtrapati Bhavan was started by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India's first President. It was he who ensured that all major Indian festivals are celebrated within its premises. The rich tradition he initiated continues to this day.

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Diwali has transcended religious boundaries in India's diverse society. Non-Hindus, including Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Muslims, and Christians, often participate in the festivities, reflecting the country's ethos of unity in diversity. This involvement ranges from full observance with unique interpretations to casual participation in cultural aspects like lighting diyas (clay lamps), bursting firecrackers, exchanging sweets, and joining community events. Diwali's joyous spirit is celebrated across communities in India, cutting across religious lines. One such example is the Brotherhood House at Civil Lines in the national capital, established in 1925 and home to several unmarried priests. Despite their Christian background, the residents illuminate their residence and affiliated institutions on Diwali.

According to Brother Solomon George, "Festivals like Diwali, Eid, and Christmas have now transcended religious boundaries. They are celebrated by all. Diwali symbolises the victory of light over darkness." The Brotherhood of the Ascended Christ, founded in India in 1877, has strong ties to Cambridge University. This institution is responsible for founding St. Stephen's College, St. Stephen's Hospital, and St. Stephen's Cambridge School on the Delhi-Sonipat border, now part of the Delhi Brotherhood Society (DBS). DBS has also established St. Stephen's Cambridge School in Sonipat, Haryana, where Diwali is celebrated with equal enthusiasm.