Catholics Celebrate Diwali with Call to Become Bearers of Christ’s Light in Odisha

Around 1,000 Catholics, including young people, families and elderly faithful, gathered at Our Lady of Charity Catholic Church in Raikia, Kandhamal district, eastern Indian state of Odisha, on November 8 to participate in the Holy Mass held in the context of the Hindu festival of Diwali, reflecting on Christ as the Light of the World and the Christian responsibility to promote peace, fraternity and interreligious harmony.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr Pradosh Chandra Nayak, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar. The gathering provided an opportunity for the Catholic community to reflect on the significance of light in Christian faith and its relevance to India's religiously diverse society.

Drawing a connection between the symbolism of Diwali and the Christian understanding of light, Fr Pradosh recalled the words of Jesus: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

“When we are with Jesus, we must shine through the virtues of peace, fraternity and mutual respect, especially by loving our Hindu neighbours,” he said.

He further encouraged the faithful to make their Christian witness visible through their actions and relationships with people of other religious traditions.

“May our good deeds shine and bear witness to Jesus, who is our Light, before people of other religious communities in India. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:14–16 that we are the light of the world. Through our good deeds, may others recognise and glorify our Lord Jesus,” Fr Pradosh said.

His message emphasised that Christian faith is not expressed merely through religious observances but through everyday acts of kindness, compassion, reconciliation and service to others.

The celebration also highlighted the role of young people in strengthening friendship and understanding among religious communities.

Yemimah, a young graduate, shared her personal commitment to promoting interreligious friendship, particularly through her relationships with Hindu friends.

“I have many Hindu friends whom I encourage to become messengers of light, truth and brotherhood, especially today, November 8, 2026. We must spread the message of love, peace and mutual understanding among people of different faiths,” she said.

Her testimony reflected the importance of friendships across religious boundaries and the contribution young people can make towards building a peaceful and inclusive society.

The celebration took place in the wider context of India's religious and cultural diversity. According to the 2011 Census, Hindus constituted approximately 79.8 per cent of India's population, Muslims 14.2 per cent and Christians 2.3 per cent. Other religious communities included Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and followers of other religious traditions.

In such a pluralistic society, the Christian vocation to love one's neighbour carries particular significance. Respecting the faith and dignity of others while remaining rooted in one's own religious convictions is essential to peaceful coexistence.

The celebration also resonated with the Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue's 2026 Deepavali message, titled “Hindus and Christians: Forging Pathways of Peace Together in the Spirit of Assisi,” issued on October 30. The message encourages Hindus and Christians to work together for peace, fraternity and mutual understanding.

Inspired by the Gospel message, the Catholic gathering at Raikia concluded with a renewed call to make faith visible through good deeds and to build bridges of friendship across religious communities.

As Diwali celebrations illuminate homes and communities across India, the faithful were reminded that the light of Christ must also shine through their lives, inspiring love, hope, peace and brotherhood among all people.