Key takeaways
- Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026 (Amavasya of Kartika, the same day as Diwali)
- It marks the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and 52 kings from Gwalior Fort
- The name means roughly "day of the release of prisoners"
- Gurdwaras hold kirtan, Akhand Path and langar, and are lit with lights and diyas
- Visitors are welcome: cover your head, remove your shoes and keep a quiet tone
When is Bandi Chhor Divas 2026?
Bandi Chhor Divas falls on the new moon (Amavasya) of the month of Kartika, the same day as Diwali. In 2026 that is Sunday, November 8. Religious education and interfaith calendars list the same date. Diwali's Lakshmi Puja is on the same evening in Toronto and Vancouver, according to Drik Panchang.
Because the date follows the lunar calendar, it moves each year, usually between mid-October and mid-November. Most gurdwaras announce their own program, often with events on the evening itself and on the nearest weekend. In 2026 the day falls on a Sunday, so many programs will run that day.
What is the history of Bandi Chhor Divas?
Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji became the sixth Sikh Guru in 1606, as a boy, after his father, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, died in Mughal custody. The Mughal emperor Jahangir later had Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji held at Gwalior Fort. Historians do not agree on the exact years he was held. Some accounts say he was taken to Gwalior in 1609 and freed around 1611 or 1612; Persian records suggest he was held from 1617 to 1619.
Sikh tradition says that when Jahangir agreed to free the Guru, the Guru refused to leave unless 52 kings (rajas) held in the fort were freed too. Jahangir said that only those who could hold on to the Guru's cloak could leave with him. The Guru had a cloak made with many long panels or tassels, so all 52 kings could hold on and walk out with him. That is why he is remembered as "Bandi Chhor", the one who freed the prisoners.
When the Guru reached Amritsar, the people lit the city with lamps. The Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) is still lit with thousands of lights on this day. The cloak, or chola, is kept at Gurdwara Sri Chola Sahib in Ghudani Kalan, Punjab, according to Sikh tradition.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) formally adopted the day, under this name, into the Nanakshahi calendar in 2003. It means roughly "day of the release of prisoners".
How is Bandi Chhor Divas observed in Canada?
Canada has a large Sikh community and gurdwaras in most major cities. On Bandi Chhor Divas, observance usually includes:
- Lights: families light their homes and gurdwaras with diyas, candles and coloured lights. The Government of Canada's own statements on the day describe this.
- Akhand Path: a continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, often finishing on the day.
- Kirtan: singing of shabads (hymns) from the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Langar: the free community meal, open to everyone.
- Fireworks in some places, where local by-laws allow them.
Many families also exchange sweets, new clothes and small gifts, and visit relatives. For Sikhs, the day's meaning is about freedom, justice and standing up for others, not shopping.
Can anyone visit a gurdwara on Bandi Chhor Divas?
Yes. Gurdwaras welcome visitors of every faith, and langar is open to all. A few simple customs (Ontario Khalsa Darbar in Mississauga lists the first three in its visitor guidelines):
- Cover your head. A scarf or bandana is fine. Many gurdwaras have head coverings at the door.
- Remove your shoes before you enter the prayer hall. Racks are usually near the entrance.
- Dress modestly and keep a quiet tone in the prayer hall.
- Sit on the floor in the hall and in langar, as everyone does.
- Do not bring tobacco or alcohol onto gurdwara grounds.
Gurdwaras get very busy on Bandi Chhor Divas evening. If you are driving, expect full parking lots and arrive early or take transit. Check your local gurdwara's website or social media for the 2026 program.
How do you wish someone on Bandi Chhor Divas?
A simple "Happy Bandi Chhor Divas" is fine, in English or Punjabi. If a Sikh friend celebrates both Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas with family, wishing them well on both is common and welcome. If you are not sure, follow how your friend names the day.
What gifts are given on Bandi Chhor Divas?
Gifts are not the focus of the day. Sweets (mithai), dry fruits, new clothes and diyas are the most common things families share. Some families give a small piece of jewellery to a child or a new bride when relatives gather, and gold is part of that tradition in many Punjabi homes.
If you do give gold, keep it simple: a small coin or light piece, bought from a store that writes the karat and weight on the receipt. 22K (91.6% gold) is common for jewellery and 24K (99.9%) for coins. Families who compare prices with relatives back home often check the gold rate in Punjab. To see what a piece is worth, use our gold value calculator with the live gold price in Canada.