1. Diwali Angad Singh

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

3. In Sikh History... Foundation stone of Harimandir Sahib was laid on this day Sacrifice Bhai Mani Singh Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji

4. Background: Guru Hargobind 6 th Guru Son of Guru Arjun Dev Ji Warrior Carried 2 swords meeri & peeri

5. 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

6. Guru ji being released

7. Return to Amritsar Decorated with divas (candles) People giving each other sweets Celebrating return of Guru

8. 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

9. Why ?

10. 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

11. 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

14. Questions?