India: Odisha Christians’ contribution for Diwali builds solidarity and brotherhood

In a touching gesture of goodwill and interfaith harmony, Christians in Odisha made small but heartfelt contributions to this year’s Diwali celebrations, fostering solidarity and brotherhood with their Hindu neighbors.

“I gladly contributed ₹3,000 for one family,” said Lazarus Bage, a catechist from Sundargarh who has been residing in Cuttack since 1976. “Though it is a small amount, it is an opportunity to cooperate and collaborate with the Diwali committee,” he added with a smile.

For many Christians in Cuttack, especially those who suffered during the Kandhamal communal violence of 2008, this act of generosity carries deep meaning.

 “Despite the persecution, pain, and threats we once faced, Jesus has taught us to love our enemies and forgive those who hate us,” said Peter Pradhan, a Kandhamal survivor and daily laborer in Cuttack. Quoting Ephesians 4:31–32, he added, “We must let go of bitterness and anger and be kind and compassionate to one another.”

According to the Samal Street Committee in Bidyadharpur, Cuttack, the suggested donations for Diwali vary according to residence: ₹300 for local inhabitants, ₹500 for tenants, and ₹3,000 for those settled from outside the area. Catholic families from St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Bidyadharpur, number about 50, while Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral Parish counts around 300 families. Contributions for Diwali and other Hindu festivals differ from town to town across Odisha.

“Whenever we pass by, we often donate to Hindu volunteers collecting funds for festivals,” said Fr. Ramesh Balliarsingh of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar.

Fr. Joseph Kerketta of the Balasore Diocese explained that it is common for Hindu neighbors seeking contributions during festive times.

“We also donate when a new temple is being built or during celebrations like Sankranti or Ganesh Puja, according to our capacity,” shared Chandan Digal, a young Catholic from Sarada under the Berhampur Diocese. “These small gestures build unity and integrity among us.”

Reflecting on the deeper meaning of the festival, Digal added, “Diwali celebrates unity in diversity. It is the triumph of truth, justice, humility, and peace over falsehood, arrogance, and disunity.”

During Diwali, people decorate their homes with lights and oil lamps (diyas) to honor Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, believing the lights guide her into homes to bring prosperity. In northern India, Diwali commemorates King Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana; in southern India, it marks Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura.

Observed by more than a billion people across faiths, Diwali is India’s most celebrated festival, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

Christians in India also find spiritual meaning in the festival. “Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world’ (John 12:8). As followers of Christ, we too are called to be lights, bringing truth, justice, and faith into the world,” said Fr. Balliarsingh.

“On this auspicious day, when we light lamps to remove darkness from the night, we must also remove the darkness from our hearts and minds,” reflected Dushmonth Mallick, a regent at Bishop Tobar Hostel, Our Lady of Charity Parish, Raikia, in the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar. Mallick led a small procession with lighted candles, symbolizing Jesus as the true Light of the World.

Through their small yet meaningful contributions, the Christians of Odisha have shown that the light of compassion and mutual respect shines brighter than any division, echoing the spirit of Diwali and the Gospel alike.

(Fr. Purushottam Nayak is an Indian Catholic priest who contributes to various magazines and online platforms.)