Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated across India with joy and grandeur, but for Sikhs, it carries a distinct spiritual and historical meaning—especially for those from Amritsar, the city at the heart of Sikh history. Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, a celebration of freedom, compassion, and the triumph of spiritual light over darkness.
Sikh Perspective on Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas
Unlike popular practice centered around rituals and fireworks, in Sikhism, Diwali is aligned with the commemoration of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji’s release from imprisonment, along with 52 Hindu kings. This act of liberation is the core reason for Sikh celebrations on Diwali, reminding all that true light is the victory of righteousness, justice, and selflessness over oppression.
Amritsar, especially the Golden Temple, becomes radiant on this day, with thousands of lamps illuminating the sacred Sarovar. But for Sikhs, these lights symbolize much more than physical brightness; they remind the soul to connect with the eternal light of divine wisdom, as sung in Gurbani.
Important Gurbani Verses on Light and Their Meaning
Bhai Gurdas Ji’s Var (Most Sung on Diwali Night)
ਦੀਵਾਲੀ ਦੀ ਰਾਤ ਦੀਵੇ ਬਾਲੀਅਨਿ
ਤਾਰੇ ਜਾਤ ਸਨਾਤ ਅੰਬਰ ਭਾਲੀਅਨ
ਫੁਲਾਂ ਦੀ ਬਾਗਾਤ ਚੁਣ ਚੁਣ ਚਾਲੀਅਨਿ
ਤੀਰਥਿ ਜਾਤੀ ਜਾਤ ਨੈਣ ਨਿਹਾਲੀਅਨਿ
ਹਰਿ ਚੰਦੁਰੀ ਝਾਤ ਵਸਾਇ ਉਚਾਲੀਅਨਿ
ਗੁਰਮੁਖ ਸੁਖਫਲ ਦਾਤ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਸਮ੍ਹਾਲੀਅਨਿ ॥੬॥
On Diwali night, lamps are lit, stars sparkle in the sky, flowers bloom in gardens, pilgrims flock to holy sites, and Divine presence is felt. But all these are temporary.
Only a Gurmukh (spiritually centered person) connects with the Shabad (the Guru’s Word), which bestows true, everlasting joy—not the fleeting pleasure found in worldly celebrations.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji
ਦੀਵਾ ਬਲੈ ਅੰਧੇਰਾ ਜਾਇ ॥
ਬੇਦ ਪਾਠ ਮਤਿ ਪਾਪਾ ਖਾਇ ॥
(SGGS, Ang 791)
When a lamp is lit, darkness vanishes. Similarly, when wisdom awakens through spiritual teachings, ignorance and negative thoughts are dispelled. The real lamp to light is the lamp of wisdom and compassion within, not just external lamps.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji
ਸਬਦ ਦੀਪਕ ਵਰਤੈ ਤਿਹੁ ਲੋਇ ॥
ਜੋ ਚਾਖੈ ਸੋ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਹੋਇ ॥
(SGGS Ang 241)
The Shabad (Word of the Guru) is the lamp that illuminates the three realms. Those who experience this illumination become spiritually pure.
Kabir Ji
ਤਤੁ ਤੇਲੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਕੀਆ ਬਾਤੀ
ਦੀਪਕੁ ਦੇਹ ਉਜ੍ਯ੍ਯਾਰਾ ॥
(SGGS Ang 1350)
Fill your lamp with the oil of true understanding, use the wick of God's Name. This inner lamp makes your whole being radiant.
Diwali in Amritsar: Reflections from a Native
Growing up in Amritsar, Diwali meant more than fireworks and sweets—it was a time when the entire city converged on the Golden Temple. The glistening lights on water, the hymns reverberating in the air, and the shared meals with all walks of life brought people together in unity and reflection. The spirit of Bandi Chhor Divas turns Amritsar into a living tapestry of spiritual joy and humanitarian action.
Every Diwali, standing among the crowds at Harmandir Sahib, it’s clear that the greatest illumination comes not from the many lamps outside but from the spirit of service and remembrance inside. This day is about freeing oneself from personal darkness—anger, greed, ignorance—and spreading the light of Gurbani’s wisdom.
Conclusion
The Sikh understanding of Diwali transforms it from a festival of sights and sounds into a time for deeper introspection and spiritual renewal. Lamp-lighting, processions, and festivities in Amritsar are expressions of joy—but the true celebration lies in cultivating inner light and compassion, as taught by Guru Sahib and reflected in Gurbani.