Religious views on Deepavali

Deepavali, which literally translates to 'a row of lights', is the annual festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. It's also the largest celebration in their religious calendars. Kulasegaram Sanchayan explores how various religious leaders and followers observe this festival: Pandit Rishikesh Bhattar, the head priest of the Venkateshwara temple, Helensburgh from 1986, a Viashnavite; Shivacharya Ravi Gurukkal, who served in Sydney Murugan Temple for 9 years, a Saivite; Editor of Dalit Murasu and a follower of Buddhism, Punitha Pandiyan; A Muslim, Poet, Writer, and Winner of Singapore Government's highest cultural award K T M Iqbal; and Fr. Ravichandran Emmanuel, a Christian and a priest attached to the Jaffna Diocese share their views.

Punitha Pandiyan, Pandit Rishikesh Bhattar, K T M Iqbal (Top, L – R); Shivacharya Ravi Gurukkal, Fr. Ravichandran Emmanuel (Bottom, L – R) Source: SBS Tamil