Tag: Sikhs

Happy Bandi Chhor Divas

Happy Bandi Chhor Divas and Happy Diwali

Source: UrbanUrban CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

On Bandi Chhor Diva, Sikhs celebrate Guru Hargobind, the 6th Guru, who was released from prison, along with many other prisoners, in 1619. The name Bandi Chhor Divas means “Liberation of Prisoners Day.” Sikhs in Canada, India and around the world will celebrate this holy day, which coincides with the 5 day Indian festival known as Diwali.

From the BBC:

According to tradition, Guru Hargobind was released from prison in Gwalior and reached Amritsar on Divali. He would only agree to leave prison if 52 Hindu princes who were in prison with him could also go free. The Emperor Jahangir, said that those who clung to the Guru’s coat would be able to go free. This was meant to limit the number of prisoners who could be released. However, Guru Hargobind had a coat made with 52 tassels attached to it so that all of the princes could leave prison with him.

The story reminds Sikhs of freedom and human rights and this is what they celebrate on Bandi Chhor Divas.

Source: BBC

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Happy Diwali

Happy Diwali and Bandi Chor Divas

‘Tuhanu Diwali diyan boht both vadhaiyan’

Keval Tank, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Diwali is celebrated by millions of people in India, Canada and around the world. Hundreds of millions of Hindus celebrate “the Festival of Lights.” Millions of Sikhs, and people of other faiths, also celebrate Diwali.

For Sikhs the festival of Diwali has added significance as it generally coincides with a Sikh celebration known as Bandi Chhor Divas. In 2025 this takes place on October 21

Many people will celebrate a five day festival from October 18 to 22, with the many public celebrations of Diwali in Canada on Saturday, October 18 and Monday October 20. However, it may be celebrated at different times, and in different ways, by various groups in India, South Asia, and in the Indian diaspora.

Diwali may also be rendered as Deepavali or Divali.

For more information on Diwali, check out:

Happy Diwali

Happy Diwali and Bandi Chor Divas

‘Tuhanu Diwali diyan boht both vadhaiyan’

Keval Tank, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Diwali is celebrated by millions of people in India, Canada and around the world. Hundreds of millions of Hindus celebrate “the Festival of Lights.” Millions of Sikhs, and eople of other faiths, ialso celebrate Diwali.

For Sikhs the festival has added significance as it generally coincides with a Sikh celebration known as Bandi Chhor Divas. In 2024 this takes place on November 1.

Many people will celebrate a five day festival from October 31 to November 5, with the many public celebrations of Diwali in Canada on Saturday, November 2 . However, it may be celebrated at different times, and in different ways, by various groups in India, South Asia, and in the Indian diaspora.

Diwali may also be rendered as Deepavali or Divali.

For more information on Diwali, check out:

Sikh Heritage Month

April is Sikh Heritage Month in Canada

source: SikhHeritageMonth.ca

Visit us this month in the School Library as we celebrate Sikh Heritage Month. Find out more about Sikhs, Sikhism and the history of the Sikh people in Canada. Visit us in person to check out our display of books and DVDs, and visit us online to learn more about Sikh Heritage Month.

Find out more:

Happy Diwali

Happy Diwali and Bandi Chor Divas

‘Tuhanu Diwali diyan boht both vadhaiyan’

Keval Tank, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Diwali is celebrated by millions of people in India, Canada and around the world. Hundreds of millions of Hindus celebrate “the Festival of Lights.” People of other faiths, including Sikhism, also celebrate.

For Sikhs the festival has added significance as it generally coincides with a Sikh celebration known as Bandi Chhor Divas. In 2023 this takes place on November 12.

Many people will celebrate a five day festival from November 10 to 14 in 2023, with the main celebration of Diwali on November 12 . However, it may be celebrated at different times, and in different ways, by various groups in India, South Asia, and in the Indian diaspora.

Diwali may also be rendered as Deepavali or Divali.

For more information on Diwali, check out:

Sikh Heritage Month

April is Sikh Heritage Month in Canada. Celebrate with us in your School Library as we learn more about the history and culture of the Sikhs, and the ongoing contributions and achievements of Sikhs in Canada.

Find out more:

Happy Diwali

Happy Diwali and Bandi Chor Divas

‘Tuhanu Diwali diyan boht both vadhaiyan’

Arnav, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Diwali is celebrated by millions of people in India, Canada and around the world. Hundreds of millions of Hindus celebrate “the Festival of Lights.” People of other faiths, including Sikhism, also celebrate.

For Sikhs the festival has added significance as it generally coincides with a Sikh celebration known as Bandi Chhor Divas. In 2022 this takes place on October 24.

Many people will celebrate a five day festival from October 22 to 26 in 2022, with the main celebration of Diwali on October 24. However, it may be celebrated at different times, and in different ways, by various groups in India, South Asia, and in the Indian diaspora.

Diwali may also be rendered as Deepavali or Divali.

For more information on Diwali, check out:

Happy Vaisakhi

Happy Vaisakhi! May your day be glorious, full of joy and happiness.

Tuhāḍā dina śānadāra, khuśī’āṁ atē khuśī’āṁ bhari’ā hōvē.

ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਦਿਨ ਸ਼ਾਨਦਾਰ, ਖੁਸ਼ੀਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਖੁਸ਼ੀਆਂ ਭਰਿਆ ਹੋਵੇ।

Sadly, for the past few years we have missed parades like this one from 2012. Hopefully the Surrey Vaisakhi Parade is back next year!
source: waferboard, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

We are celebrating Sikh Heritage Month in your School Library. Be sure to visit us to find out more.