Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara to host annual Bandi Chhor Diwas and Diwali fireworks display in Gravesend
11:34, 07 November 2023
updated: 14:54, 07 November 2023
A Sikh place of worship is set to host its annual Diwali celebrations.
The Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Gravesend will mark Bandi Chhor Diwas, a day when Sikhs celebrate freedom and liberty, alongside the Indian festival of light.
To commemorate the event there will be a fireworks display on Sunday evening (November 12) outside the gurdwara.
Festivities will begin inside the gurdwara from 10am with hymns (Kirtan) and tales and teachings of Sikh history (Katha) up until 7.30pm.
Then, at 8pm, the fireworks display will begin which can be viewed from the gurdwara grounds or car park.
Free vegetarian food prepared at the gurdwara’s langar kitchen will be served all day.
The Guru Nanak Darbar committee says everyone is invited to come and join in the celebrations.
Coinciding with Diwali, Bandi Chhor Diwas is the day where the sixth Sikh Guru, Hargobind Sahib was released from prison, alongside 52 other princes with him, in 1619.
During this time The Mughals held innocent community leaders as political prisoners against their wishes and were jailed by force without trial.
Upon his release, Guru Hargobind came back to Amristar near Diwali, and the whole city was lit up for his return.
For Sikhs the story symbolises when right prevailed over wrong, and the fight for freedom.
For anyone planning to attend the celebrations on Sunday, the Gurdwara car park is likely to be full by about 6pm.
Visitors are advised to leave their cars in nearby public car parks such as Lord Street and walk to the temple grounds.
Traffic into Trinity Road and Wellington Street will be restricted for those not requiring access to properties there.
This will be from 6.30pm until the fireworks are finished and the area is clear which should be at about 8.30pm.
For more information about Diwali, how it is celebrated, and the special events taking place this year in Kent click here.
Possession of alcohol, tobacco, any other intoxicants, as well as meat, fish and eggs are strictly prohibited from the entire gurdwara complex and grounds.
Personal sparklers or fireworks will also be forbidden.
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