Diwali

Angad Singh

Diwali

• Also celebrated by Hindus and Jains• 21st October 2006• Bandi Chhorh Diwas • Many events on this day . . .

In Sikh History. . .

• Foundation stone of Harimandir Sahib was laid on this day

• Sacrifice Bhai Mani Singh• Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji

Background: Guru Hargobind

• 6th Guru• Son of Guru Arjun

Dev Ji• Warrior • Carried 2 swords

meeri & peeri

Bandi Chhorh Diwas

• Historical festival for Sikhs• Guru ji imprisoned• 52 kings (rajas) with him in jail• Sangat convinced emperor to release

guru• Guru ji wanted all the rajas to also be

released• Kurta was made for guru ji with 52

strings (kaleea) attached

Guru ji being released

Return to Amritsar

• Decorated with divas (candles)

• People giving each other sweets

• Celebrating return of Guru

Bhai Mani Singh

• Great Sikh scholar and martyr • He was the scribe of the final version of

the Guru Granth Sahib • Diwali of 1737 at Harimandir Sahib• Vouched to pay Rs. 5,000 as tax • Not enough people attended Diwali that

year • He did not manage to collect enough

money • He was publicly executed in Lahore

Why ?

Purpose . . .

• To remember Guru Ji• Pray for one's own release• Most people forced into the prison of

society• Extent of turning morals against

what Gurus preached

Objective. . .

• To pray for our release from society

• Act upon Guru's path of truthfulness

• To be freed from circle of life and

death

• Light the mind with Gurbani

Questions?