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Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish celebration commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. In India, the Jewish community is relatively small, but Hanukkah is still observed with traditional customs.
The story of Hanukkah revolves around the victory of the Maccabees over the Greek-Syrian oppressors and the miracle where a day's worth of oil burned for eight days in the temple's menorah. To celebrate this miracle, Jews light one additional candle on the menorah each night until all eight are lit on the last day.
On the last day of Hanukkah, which is called "Zot Hanukkah" from the Torah reading on this day (Numbers 7:84-89), Indian Jews engage in several activities:
Menorah Lighting: The final candle is lit on this evening, and so all nine flames (including the shamash or helper candle) burn brightly. This is often done after nightfall.
Prayers and Songs: Special prayers like Hallel (praises) are recited during morning prayers. Traditional songs such as "Maoz Tzur" are sung while lighting candles.
Dreidel Games: Children and adults play with dreidels (spinning tops), which have Hebrew letters that stand for "A great miracle happened there."
Festive Meals: Families gather for festive meals that include foods fried in oil such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), symbolizing the miracle of oil.
Charity: Giving to charity or engaging in acts of kindness is customary to embody the spirit of light and sharing during Hanukkah.
Though not a public holiday in India, within their communities, Indian Jews observe these traditions with dedication. The Jewish population in cities like Mumbai and Kochi may gather at synagogues like Magen David Synagogue or Paradesi Synagogue for communal celebrations.
