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Happy Diwali & Bandi Chhor Divas & Remembrance Day

Diwali is the festival of lights as a celebration.

Bandi Chhor (Shodh, Chhor) Divas ("Day of Liberation") ( ਬੰਦੀ ਛੋੜ ਦਿਵਸ ) is a Sikh festival which coincides with the day of Diwali. Bandi Chhor Divas celebrates the release from prison in Gwalior of the Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind, and 52 other princes with him. This day is known as Bandi Chhor Divas.

The word "Bandi" is translated from Punjabi into English as "Imprisoned" (or "Prisoner"); the Hindi word "Chhor" (shodh) translates as "Release," and the Punjabi word "Divas" means "Day" rendering "Bandi Chhor Divas" into English as "Prisoners' Release Day."

Bandi Chhor Divas is one of the three festivals chosen by Guru Amar Das to be celebrated by Sikhs (the others being Maghi and Baisakhi).

Remembrance Day