排燈節（Diwali），又被稱為「萬燈節」、「印度燈節」或「屠妖節」，是印度最盛大的傳統節日之一，同時也是全球印度教徒心中象徵「光明戰勝黑暗、善良擊敗邪惡」的重要時刻。這個節日不僅在印度全國盛大舉行，更在尼泊爾、斯里蘭卡、馬來西亞、新加坡、斐濟、特立尼達與多巴哥、毛里求斯等多個擁有印度裔居民的國家成為官方或民間節日。

排燈節通常落在每年公曆10月至11月之間，依據印度教陰曆計算，為期五天。節慶期間，人們會打掃家園、佈置燈飾，點燃象徵驅走黑暗與邪惡的油燈（Diyas），並燃放煙火，象徵光明與希望的到來。許多家庭也會準備傳統甜點與美食，互贈禮物，拜訪親友，共同慶祝團聚與繁榮的象徵。

這個節日的起源眾說紛紜，但最廣為流傳的版本來自《羅摩衍那》（Ramayana）中的故事——傳說中，王子羅摩（Rama）在歷經十四年流放與戰勝魔王羅波那（Ravana）後回到阿逾陀（Ayodhya），人民為了慶祝他歸來，在全城點亮油燈迎接英雄歸鄉，從此奠定「燈節」的傳統。對不同信仰者而言，排燈節也有各自的意義：印度教徒紀念女神拉克希米（Lakshmi）的財富與祝福；錫克教徒紀念古魯哈哥賓德（Guru Hargobind）被釋放出獄的日子；而耆那教徒則慶祝他們的導師摩訶毗羅（Mahavira）成道的時刻。

排燈節的全球影響力極其廣泛，約有十億人參與慶祝，是僅次於聖誕節的世界性節日之一。即使在非印度教國家，許多城市也會在節日期間舉辦公共慶典、燈飾展與文化表演，展現印度文化的魅力與包容精神。

總體而言，排燈節不僅是一場宗教盛會，更是象徵希望、家庭團聚與人性光輝的節慶。透過萬盞燈火，人們祈願未來的生活能如光明般璀璨，也提醒世人：只要心懷善念，光明終將驅散一切黑暗。

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, Deepavali, or Dipawali, is one of the most important and grand celebrations in India and among Hindu communities around the world. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, and is celebrated with great enthusiasm every year, usually in October or November according to the Hindu lunar calendar.

The festival lasts for five days, each carrying its own significance. In preparation for Diwali, people thoroughly clean and decorate their homes, light small oil lamps called diyas, and adorn their surroundings with colorful rangoli patterns made of colored powders or flowers. Fireworks illuminate the night sky, sweets and gifts are exchanged among family and friends, and prayers are offered to deities for prosperity and peace.

The most popular legend associated with Diwali comes from the epic Ramayana. It tells the story of Prince Rama, who returned to his kingdom of Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and defeating the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya celebrated his return by lighting rows of oil lamps to welcome him home, marking the beginning of this luminous tradition.

For followers of different faiths, Diwali holds unique meanings:

• For Hindus, it honors the goddess Lakshmi, the bringer of wealth and prosperity.
• For Sikhs, it commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment.
• For Jains, it marks the day when their spiritual leader Mahavira attained enlightenment.

Today, Diwali’s influence extends far beyond India. It is celebrated by around one billion people worldwide, making it one of the most widely observed festivals across the globe—second only to Christmas in scale. Countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, Mauritius, and Trinidad and Tobago also recognize it as a major cultural or national event. Even in Western countries, cities such as London, New York, and Toronto host large Diwali festivals with lights, music, and food to honor the occasion.

More than just a religious event, Diwali represents hope, renewal, and unity. The lighting of lamps serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how dark times may seem, light and goodness will always prevail. Through its radiance and joy, Diwali continues to unite people across cultures, spreading the timeless message that compassion and virtue are the true lights of humanity.