Happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas

Join our celebrations happening on campus and around Birmingham 

Diwali Celebration with the Indian Institute  
Monday 9 November, 12:00-14:00 
First Floor, Bramall Music Building 

Enjoy live Indian classical music, get creative with diya lamp painting workshops and experience traditional henna hand painting. Bring light to the dark through this free lunchtime programme, filled with culture, community and celebration. 

Diwali Dhamaka 
Sunday 8 November, 16:45-20:00 
Debating Hall, Guild of Students 

Join the Hindu Society, Indian Society, South Indian Society, Postgraduate Society, International Students Association for this evening event. Enjoy live performances of cultural dance, interactive stalls where you can get traditional henna designs and decorate your own diyas (traditional lamps), festive food and desserts and get involved in Diwali trivia. 

What is Diwali and Bandi Chorr Divas?  

Diwali, often known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, with different religious and cultural meanings for each community. Falling between October and November, the date changes each year as it follows the Hindu lunar calendar. 

Diwali also coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, a significant occasion in the Sikh faith known as the Day of Liberation. This honours the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. The day is celebrated as a triumph over evil and as a tribute to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, who embodied justice and freedom for everyone.   

“Bandi Chhor Divas is a Sikh festival celebrating the release of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the Sixth Sikh Guru, and 52 imprisoned kings from Gwalior Fort in 1619. According to Sikh tradition, when the Mughal Emperor Jahangir agreed to release Guru Ji, They insisted that the other prisoners be freed too. Guru Ji arranged a special Chola to be made with 52 tassels so each king could hold on and leave alongside Them. This act earned Them the title “Bandi Chhor,” which means the Liberator of Prisoners.  

On Their return to Amritsar, Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple) was full of divas and lights to celebrate Their freedom. Today, Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas by celebrating at Gurdwara Sahibs with Kirtan, lighting Divas and encouraging Seva. The festival teaches the values of freedom, justice, compassion and helping others” 

- UoB Sikh Society  

How are Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas typically celebrated? 

Common celebrations include lighting diyas (small oil lamps) and candles, decorating homes with colourful patterns, sharing sweets and meals, exchanging gifts and spending time with family and friends. For many, the lights symbolise the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, while the festival is also a time for reflection, hope and new beginnings. 

For Sikhs, Bandi Chhor Divas is marked by prayers and religious services at gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship), alongside the illumination of homes and gurdwaras with lights. Many gather to listen to hymns, share langar (a free community meal) and celebrate the values of compassion, equality and freedom.  

Check out Anagh’s video on what it’s like celebrating Diwali in Birmingham.