Bulletin
Celebrating Diwali on October 20; Enter our contest for a chance to win a MoveUP prize pack
October 20, 2025
To: All MoveUP members
Our union would like to wish all our members and their families a Happy Diwali!
Over the centuries, Diwali has become an international festival that is enjoyed by most Indians regardless of their faith: Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs.
This year, Diwali begins on Monday, October 20.
Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali which means a row of lights.
The five-day festival, which is the biggest in India, honours the victory of good over evil.
The festival gets its name from the row of oil lamps made of clay (diyas) that are used to light around their homes symbolizing the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.
Lord Ganesha, for auspicious beginnings, and Goddess Laksmi, for wealth and prosperity are the most commonly worshipped Hindu gods during Diwali.
Ladoo, barfi, jalebi, and many more sweets are commonly prepared and shared during Diwali.
At the same time as Diwali, Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, or Day of Liberation. It commemorates the day that Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the 6th Sikh Guru, was released from unjust imprisonment and how he helped secure the release of 52 other Hindu princes. It marks the triumph of freedom over oppression and standing up for the rights of others and not just one’s own.
Bandi Chhor Divas will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 21.
MoveUP’s Human Rights & Multicultural Committee invites members to enter a short trivia contest to celebrate this year’s commemoration. Click here to enter the contest for a chance to win a MoveUP prize pack. The deadline to enter is October 24.
If you have colleagues or friends who celebrate Diwali, we encourage you to take the time to wish them a happy and prosperous festival of lights.
From time to time, we share information about major global holidays, events, and celebrations from different cultures. Find out about other holidays and events here.
In solidarity,
Human Rights & Multicultural Committee