Happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas

What's on 

Join our celebrations happening on campus and around Birmingham. 

Diwali Crafts and Celebration 
Tuesday 5 November, 13:00-16:00 
Guild Reception 

Come and celebrate Diwali with student group activity and crafts brought to you by the student activities team. There will also be music and decorations, to brighten up your afternoon. More on the event. 

UoB Hindu Society's Diwali Ball - SIYA! 
Friday 8 November, evening 
The Opal Suite, Smethwick  

UoB's Hindu Society are excited to host you for an evening of dinner, dance and dazzling performances. Enjoy traditional dhol music and DJ, and other fantastic entertainment that will make this Diwali celebration truly unforgettable. They are also holding a multitude of Diwali events on campus, including weekly aartis and arts and crafts. Book your ticket to the event. 

What is Diwali and Bandi Chorr Divas? 

Diwali, also known as the ‘Festival of Lights,’ is a festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, but for different reasons. It always takes place sometime between October and November, but the exact date varies each year as the Hindu calendar is based on the Moon. 

The festival also coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, also known as the ‘Day of Liberation,’ a holiday observed by Sikhs. This honours the sixth Guru – a religious teacher of the Sikh faith – named Guru Hargobind Singh. The day is celebrated as a triumph over evil and as a tribute to Guru Hargobind, who embodied justice and freedom for everyone.  

“Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Diwas to remember the day Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji (our 6th master) was released from prison in 1619. It is celebrated on the same day as Diwali but has a distinct meaning for Sikhs. 

Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was held captive in Gwalior Fort, but during a time of civil unrest, the Mughal emperor Jahangir agreed to release him. In his compassionate spirit, Guru Ji refused freedom unless 52 political prisoners—imprisoned princes—were also released, symbolising justice. Jahangir ultimately conceded, and today we celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas (“Liberation of the Imprisoned”) each year in honour of Guru Ji’s compassion and commitment to justice” – Jas, UoB Sikh Society 

Find out more about Diwali and Bandi Chorr Divas as well as how these holidays are typically celebrated. 

If you also celebrate these occasions, please reach out to us at studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk and tell us how you participated!