2016-09-10 Sat

The Royal Canadian Mint has officially announced that this September they are going to release special coins dedicated to the most loved Indian festival – Diwali. Also popularly known as the festival of lights, it is when Indians all over the world light lamps and celebrate togetherness. It has been a very old Indian tradition which is followed with full vigour even today. As per Hindu Mythology, Lord Rama came back to his kingdom Ayodhya after a 14 year long exile from the forests. This festival was celebrated to welcome the Lord back in his own land.

Diwali is not just observed by Hindus, it is a significant occasion for many other religions and sects like Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Sindhis.

It is believed that Lord Mahavira, the 24th Thirthankara achieved Nirvana on Amavasya of Ashwina Masa in 527 BC at Pavapuri Bihar. Lamps are lit by the Jain community to honour his contributions. They also recite auspicious hymns, meditate and fast on these days.

The third Sikh Guru Amar Das asked the Sikh Community to come together on Diwali to seek blessings of the Guru at Goindwal. The founding stones of the Golden Temple were also laid on this day. Guru Hargobind Sahib was imprisoned by Emperor Jahangir along with other Hindu Kings as political prisoners at Gwalior fort. He was released in October 1619 after the people fought for their Guru. The Guru also asked the emperor to release all the other kings as well, which was agreed upon. After the release, he went to the Golden Temple where he was greeted by his flowers by lighting lamps. The day is hence observed as the “Bandi Chhor Diwas” or the day of freedom by the Sikhs. On this day, Nagar Keethan or street processions are organised along with Akahnd Paath when the Guru Granth Sahib is recited non-stop.

Buddhists, particularly Newar Buddhists celebrate Diwali by chanting Mantras remembering King Ashoka who converted to Buddhism on this day. They observe this day as Ashok Vijayadashami.

Canada has many budding communities of Indians belonging to various religions like Sikhs, Jains, Hindus and Sindhis. Over the years, Diwali has become one of the most important festivals in the country when people come together with a jubilant festive spirit.

A fine silver and pure gold 1 oz. coins would be released featuring the same design which combines Hindu, Sikh and Jain symbols along with the country’s symbolic representation of a Maple leaf.

The coins have been designed by the artist Sarindar Dhaliwal which truly celebrates the Indo-Canadian bond that is observed during this special occasion.