The Sikh Celebration of “Diwali”

Many Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, “Prisoner Release Day”, and Diwali on the same day. It is important to understand the difference between these two festivals, even when they are often combined.

Bandi Chhor Divas is a story of liberation, freedom, and victory over injustice. Our 6th Guru (spiritual leader), Hargobind Sahib Ji was freed from imprisonment along with fifty two princes. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji arrived home around the time of Diwali, which was already established as a national holiday in India. Bandi Chhor Divas is a celebration and remembrance of how our Guru saved 52 lives and his own without a battle. The corrupt government eventually agreed to the Guru’s just demands of freedom. 

Diwali is the “Festival of Lights”, and is a Hindu festival. This event represents good over evil, or light over darkness, as it remembers a significant event in Hinduism. For Hindus, Diwali is the day when Prince Rama, his wife, and brother, return to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile. 

Celebration: 

Today, many Sikhs commemorate Bandi Chhor Divas and Diwali together. It is celebrated as one day, and includes elements of traditional Diwali celebrations, such as setting off fireworks and lighting divas! We go to our Gurdwara, temple of faith, and pray to remember our Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. 

Connection to today: 

During the time of Mughal rule in India, many “political prisoners” (innocent community leaders) were jailed by force and without trial. However, this continues with Sikhs today. Even now, hundreds of Sikhs are wrongfully imprisoned and without reason. Many serve life sentences and are still held. The Sikh Relief Organization helps to financially support and legally fight for the Sikhs imprisoned due to oppression and unjust policies.

The link to their website is here:

https://www.sikhrelief.org