On the new-moon night of Kattak, Punjab keeps two festivals with one row of lamps. Hindus celebrate Diwali, the return of Rama and the night of Lakshmi. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, the Day of Liberation, when the sixth Guru came home from prison. In Amritsar the Golden Temple is outlined in lights, thousands of lamps float on the sarovar, and fireworks go up over the water.
The story
Guru Hargobind had been held in Gwalior Fort by the emperor Jahangir. When his release was ordered in 1619 he refused to leave without the fifty-two rajas imprisoned with him; told he could take as many as could hold his cloak, he had one made with fifty-two tails. He reached Amritsar at Diwali, and the city was lit to receive him.
A century later, in 1737, Bhai Mani Singh was executed for holding the Diwali gathering at the temple; the day carries that memory too.
ਦਾਲ ਰੋਟੀ ਘਰ ਦੀ, ਦੀਵਾਲੀ ਅੰਬਰਸਰ ਦੀ
Dal and roti of one's own home; Diwali, of Amritsar
A Punjabi saying
How it is kept
- Deep malaRows of lamps and candles on every house and gurdwara.
- Darbar SahibKirtan through the day, the display of the temple's treasures, and fireworks at night.
- Lakshmi PujanIn Hindu homes at dusk.
- MithaiBoxes of sweets carried to every relation.
- Vishwakarma DayThe day after, craftsmen worship their tools and factories close.
Why this date
Diwali is on the Amavasya of Kattak, on the day the new-moon tithi covers the hours after sunset. Bandi Chhor Divas is kept on the same day.
Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas in other years
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday | |
| 2027 | Friday | |
| 2028 | Tuesday | |
| 2029 | Monday | |
| 2030 | Saturday | |
| 2031 | Friday |
More Punjabi festivals
14 NovemberGuru Nanak Gurpurabਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਗੁਰਪੁਰਬ
18 OctoberKarwa Chauthਕਰਵਾ ਚੌਥ
9 OctoberDussehraਦੁਸਹਿਰਾ
8 OctoberMaha Naumiਮਹਾਂ ਨੌਮੀ
7 OctoberDurga Ashtamiਦੁਰਗਾ ਅਸ਼ਟਮੀ
3 SeptemberGanesh Chaturthiਗਣੇਸ਼ ਚਤੁਰਥੀ
Where to see Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas
In Punjab
- Golden Temple, AmritsarPunjabThe illuminations and fireworks of Bandi Chhor Divas.
- Durgiana Temple, AmritsarPunjabLit for Diwali on its own lake.
- Anandpur SahibPunjabTakht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, lit for the night.
Across India
- Gwalior FortMadhya PradeshGurdwara Data Bandi Chhor stands where the Guru was held.
- AyodhyaUttar PradeshLamps along the Sarayu for Rama's return.
- DelhiDelhiGurdwara Bangla Sahib and Sis Ganj, lit through the night.