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. The tradition of lighting diyas is associated with his return to Amritsar, when the Golden Temple was illuminated to welcome him.“Every gurdwara will hold its own programme, with kirtan and ardaas, followed by langar. The day is significant because it marks the Guru’s return to Amritsar after securing the release of the 52 kings. The story is recounted during prayers at gurdwaras,” said Tejdeep Kaur, retired IPS officer and president of Telangana Sikh Society.For Maharashtrians, music is an integral part of the festival. 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. The early-morning musical gathering has become a tradition for the community. However, this year’s programme has been postponed to Nov 22 as renovation work is under way at the mandal’s hall.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. Manish Jain of Jain Seva Sangh said this principle shapes the community’s approach to firecrackers. “We know it can be difficult to stop bursting firecrackers altogether, but one can at least try to encourage green crackers. 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.Bengali families in Hyderabad mark Diwali with Kali Puja, during which Goddess Kali is worshipped around midnight with ‘khichuri bhog’ forming an important part of celebrations. At Keyes Girls High School in Secunderabad, the Bangiya Sanskritik Sangha (BSS) organises the two-day Sarvojanin Sri Sri Kali Puja. The association began this tradition in 1986, after starting its Durga Puja celebrations in 1965. This year’s celebrations, scheduled for Nov 8 and 9, will feature religious ceremonies and musical performances by artistes from Kolkata. The Kali idol is made by the same artisans who prepare the association’s Durga idol.Not all Bengali groups in the city organise Kali Puja. Mallapur Bangiya Sangha, established in 2024, celebrates Lakshmi Puja with traditional rituals, prayers and bhog distribution. Among Kayasthas, including families with roots in Bihar, the festive period also includes Chitragupta Puja, or Kalam-Dawaat Puja, on Bhai Dooj.
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