Bandi Chhor Divas 2026
Bandi Chhor Divas Shabad Chownki
Celebrate the day Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji walked free and brought 52 kings out of captivity with him. Join the sangat and offer an Ardas in your family's name.
Book your seva
Begin Bandi Chhor Divas in the Guru's presence
On Sunday 8 November the Shabad Chownki programme begins at 7am. Families from across Nottingham are booking this morning to give thanks, remember loved ones and celebrate together.
- An Ardas in your family's name, offered in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
- Kirtan in the stillness of the morning, as the Guru's freedom is celebrated.
- Langar for the whole sangat, served in your family's name.
- Do seva with your family in the langar hall or wherever help is needed.
- 100% goes to the Gurdwara: the langar, the darbar and the daily services that keep our doors open.
The story
What is Bandi Chhor Divas?
Bandi Chhor means "release of the prisoners". It marks the day Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the sixth Guru, was freed from Gwalior Fort.
The Guru had been imprisoned there on the orders of the Mughal emperor Jahangir. Held in the same fort were 52 Hindu kings, kept as political prisoners. While the Guru was away, Baba Budha Ji kept the prayers at Harmandir Sahib going and held the sangat together.
When the emperor finally ordered the Guru's release, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji refused to leave alone. He would only walk out if the 52 kings were freed with him.
When the Guru returned to Amritsar, the sangat lit the city with lamps to welcome him. Ever since, Sikhs have celebrated Bandi Chhor Divas at the same time as Diwali, lighting up Harmandir Sahib and Gurdwaras around the world.
It is a celebration of freedom, and of the spirit of Miri Piri: standing up not only for ourselves, but for everyone who is held back by injustice.
On the day
Sunday 8 November at Miri Piri House
Programme from 7am
The Shabad Chownki programme begins at 7am, with kirtan in the darbar. Come for the whole programme or for part of it.
Ardas for every family
An Ardas is offered for every family that has booked, giving thanks and asking for the Guru's blessings.
Langar and seva
Langar is served to everyone. If you'd like to help prepare it, let us know and we'll tell you when to arrive.
Questions
Everything you need to know
Booking takes just a couple of minutes. If your question isn't answered here, call us on 0115 960 6065.
What is a Shabad Chownki?
A Shabad Chownki is a programme of kirtan in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, followed by Ardas and langar. Families book one to give thanks, mark a special occasion or remember a loved one, and the whole sangat joins in.
Why book on Bandi Chhor Divas?
Bandi Chhor Divas is one of the most joyful days in the Sikh calendar, celebrating freedom, light and standing up for others. Offering an Ardas for your family on this day is a beautiful way to give thanks and to start the season of celebration in the Guru's presence.
How do I book, and what happens next?
Choose an amount in the booking form, select Sunday 8 November and complete your details. You'll receive an email confirming your contribution, and your family will be included in the Ardas on the day.
Which amount should I choose?
£251 sponsors the Chownki with its kirtan and langar, £101 contributes towards the kirtan, and £51 towards the langar. You can also enter any amount you wish. Every contribution, whatever the size, is equally welcome.
Can I book for a special occasion or in memory of a loved one?
Yes. Tick "Write us a comment" in the booking form and add the names and the occasion, such as a birthday, anniversary, new arrival, recovery or remembrance. They will be included in the Ardas.
Do I need to attend in person?
You're warmly invited to join us, but you don't have to. The Ardas will be offered for your family whether or not you are able to be there.
Can more than one family book the same morning?
Yes. The Chownki is not exclusive, and many families share the morning together. There's no need to wait for a free slot.
Can my family do seva on the day?
Yes, and you'd be very welcome. You can help in the langar hall, serve langar or help wherever needed. Let us know when you book, or call us, and we'll tell you when to arrive.
Who can come, and what should we wear?
Everyone is welcome, whatever their faith or background. Please dress modestly, cover your head and remove your shoes on entry. Head coverings are available at the Gurdwara. Please do not bring alcohol or tobacco.
Where does my contribution go?
Every penny goes to the Gurdwara: the langar served to everyone, the care of the darbar and the daily services that keep our doors open, every day of the year.
Where is the Gurdwara, and who can I ask?
Miri Piri House, 329 Haydn Road, Nottingham NG5 1DG. If you have any questions about booking, call us on 0115 960 6065.
Sunday 8 November · from 7am
Celebrate the Guru's freedom with the sangat
Book your family's seva for the Bandi Chhor Divas Shabad Chownki.
Book your seva