Browsing Tag: Bandi Chhor Divas

Why Sikhs celebrate Diwali (Bandi Chhor Divas)

The message of inclusion and unity that had been emanating from the first Guru was one that they had found difficult to reconcile with their doctrine of tyranny and oppression. The truth of the message had not dulled by the time of the Sixth Guru Nanak.

The Guru taught the kings when they were imprisoned together. By His grace and consciousness, he helped free them. Guru Hargobind touched their lives and impacted each of them in some way.

When it comes to celebrating popular festivals like Divali or Christmas, the colourful and socially vibrant Sikhs are renowned for outdoing their neighbours. For them, relevance of such festivals to their religion is of little consequence. Divali is one such festival;

Bandi Chhor Divas is the day we celebrate the return of the Guru. When Guru Hargobind was imprisoned in Gwalior fort, the Sikhs longed to have his sight. The Sikhs felt lost without the Guru. How would they get inspiration and guide their minds on the right path? How long would they go until the Guru was finally released?

Though Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh had appreciated the spirit of Bhai Rajona’s letter reportedly told Times of India on October 26, 2013: “We would maintain the maryada”.

This year Diwali falls on Sunday, November 3. It has added meaning: we will celebrate the martyrs of 1984 with every lamp we light, with every fire-cracker in the sky, and every sweet we savour.

Local residents of Southall came together to celebrate the Festival of Light. People gathered at Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Guru Nanak Darbar & Guru Amardass in old part of Southall to offer their prayers and to light up candles.

Imagine: a prisoner giving conditions to the Emperor about his own conditions of release -- not for his own benefit, but for that of others. This is a poignant legacy that we Sikhs must reflect upon each year.

Hundreds of candles lining the walkways and porch in front of Gurdwara Sahib Guru Nanak Dwara in Phoenix, AZ, cast a warm glow upon delighted young faces. Little children carefully and reverently carry their very own candles to place before the Guru...

I lit the candles of knowledge in the dark night ~ So the darkness of ignorance may be dispelled Kindle the lamps of hope in every home ~ So all hearts be thrilled with festive joy

Last week the Coalition along with guests from the Sikh community participated enthusiastically in a White House Diwali Reception with President Barack Obama.

I realize how important it is for all of us to celebrate our festivals and special occasions that mark our own traditions; it strengthens our roots. I offer that it is also enriching to spread out our branches and participate in the festivities and cultural events of other faiths. By sowing the seeds of understanding and honoring diverse traditions, we will perhaps make life on our shared planet a tad more harmonious.