AJR36

A Joint Resolution designating the weekend closest to Diwali as “Bandi Chhor Divas Weekend” in New Jersey.

Whereas, New Jersey embraces its rich cultural heritage as a home to people of all faiths and the Sikh community plays an integral, though often overlooked, role in strengthening the religious, social, and political fabric of this State; and

Whereas, Sikhism is the world’s fifth largest religion with more than 25 million adherents, approximately 500,000 of whom call the United States home; and

Whereas, Founded by Guru Nanak in the Punjab region of India during the 15th century, the Sikh spiritual tradition is rooted in the belief that every person, regardless of race, gender, sex, or creed, is equal before God; and

Whereas, Bandi Chhor Divas, which means liberation of prisoners day, is an important Sikh holiday that celebrates the day when Guru Hargobind was released from prison in the 17th century; and

Whereas, According to tradition, Guru Hargobind was granted release from prison by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, but he refused to leave unless 52 other innocent princes would also be freed and return with him to the holy city of Amritsar; and

Whereas, When the emperor tried to limit the number of people released from prison to whomever touched the guru’s coat as he left, the guru had a coat made with 52 tassels attached so all of the princes could also leave prison; and

Whereas, After being released from prison, Guru Hargobind arrived in Amritsar during the celebration of Diwali, meaning “row of lights,” as people lit the city with small oil lamps called divas; and

Whereas, Bandi Chhor Divas is celebrated by Sikhs with light displays on the 15th day of the “dark fortnight,” which corresponds to a day during the months of October or November on the Gregorian calendar; and

Whereas, Bandi Chhor Divas reminds Sikhs of the importance of freedom, justice, and human rights and is celebrated across New Jersey with the lighting of homes and houses of worship known as gurdwaras and by exchanging dried fruits and sweets; and

Whereas, It is altogether fitting and proper for the people of New Jersey to celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas alongside Sikhs throughout the world and to honor the lasting contributions made by the Sikh community in this State; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. Each year, the weekend closest to the day of Diwali during “Diwali Month,” October 15 through November 14, is designated as “Bandi Chhor Divas Weekend” in the State of New Jersey to honor and celebrate this important holiday in the Sikh community.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation designating the weekend closest to Diwali during “Diwali Month” in New Jersey as “Bandi Chhor Divas Weekend” and shall call upon the public officials and citizens of this State to observe the weekend with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This resolution designates the weekend that is closest to Diwali during “Diwali Month,” October 15 through November 14, as “Bandi Chhor Divas Weekend” in New Jersey.

Bandi Chhor Divas, which means liberation of prisoners day, is a Sikh holiday that is celebrated on the same day as Diwali. To facilitate the celebration of Bandi Chhor Divas around the State, New Jersey will observe the holiday over the weekend closest to Diwali.

Bandi Chhor Divas celebrates the day Guru Hargobind was released from prison in the 17th century. According to tradition, Guru Hargobind refused to leave prison unless 52 other innocent princes would also be freed. To limit the number of people released, Mughal Emperor Jahangir permitted the guru to leave with anyone who touched his coat. In response, the guru had a coat made with 52 tassels attached so all of the princes could leave prison and return to the holy city of Amritsar. After being released from prison, Guru Hargobind arrived in Amritsar during the celebration of Diwali, meaning “row of lights,” as people lit the city with small oil lamps called divas. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, which typically occurs in either October or November. Sikhs celebrate the importance of freedom, justice, and human rights on Bandi Chhor Divas. During these celebrations, Sikhs often light their homes and places of worship, known as gurdwaras, and exchange dried fruits and sweets.

Founded by Guru Nanak in the Punjab region of India during the 15th century, the Sikh spiritual tradition is rooted in the belief that every person, regardless of race, gender, sex, or creed, is equal before God. Sikhism is the world’s fifth largest religion with more than 25 million adherents, approximately 500,000 of whom call the United States home.