“When the lamp is lit, darkness is dispelled…..Where there is light of knowledge…..ignorance is dispelled”
Suman Ghaiwal – Chair of Ekta Unity said: “Although the celebrations will be different this year for all of us due to the pandemic, I pray that the festival of Diwali & Bandi Chor Divas fills everyone’s hearts with an aura of purity and a happy, compassionate mood, with all the lights and diyas eradicating dark shadows and evil, and all the prayers and love creating a wonderful atmosphere full of goodness and happiness. Diwali & Bandi Chor Divas is also a time to reflect on one’s life, past deeds and making the right changes for the upcoming year. It is also a time to reflect and to forget and forgive the past injustices and grudges. Let us celebrate this year, in a safe environment and following all the government and health authorities guidelines, with an air of festivity and friendliness in our homes”
Sanjay Jagatia – CEO of Ekta Unity said: “For Hindus, Diwali signifies the return of Lord Shri Rama to Ayodhya, after his 14 years of exile and victory over the demon-Ravana. On this special day, Lord Shri Rama, was welcomed to the kingdom of Ayodhya with rows of diyas and lamps lit throughout the kingdom. Thus, the tradition of lighting oil lamps on Diwali symbolises the victory of good over evil and freedom from spiritual darkness. The following day is celebrated as the New Year – a time for new beginnings”
Jasvir Sandhu – Trustee of Ekta Unity said: “We wish all our Sikh Service Users, Session Workers, Members and Volunteers a very Happy Bandi Chor Divas. For the Sikh Community Bandi Chor Divas is a very important day of celebration, as it commemorates the release of the sixth Guru ~ Guru HarGobind Sahibji along with 52 other kings from the Gwalior Prison in the year 1619. Following his release, Guru HarGobind Sahibji arrived at Amritsar where the Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple”) was lit with rows of lamps and lights. Thus Bandhi Chor Divas is a Day of Liberation for Sikhs, when we celebrate the victory of good over evil and at the same time marking an important and highly significant event in Sikh history.
Muna Chauhan – Vice Chair of Ekta Unity said: “Normally at this time of year, Ekta Unity would have been celebrating our biggest event of the year with all our Service Users, Members and Volunteers. However, it simply has not been possible this year and we want everyone to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you celebrate Diwali & Bandi Chor Divas in your own homes and keeping safe from contracting Covid-19. Celebrating at a distance isn’t easy but your sacrifices and determination to do the right thing will help to save lives. Over the last 8 months, the Ekta Unity Board of Trustees have been overwhelmed at how you all have come together and responded to this crisis with compassion, community spirit, and a ‘can-do’ attitude”
Ekta Unity Board of Trustees