Any idea what they're doing at this Gurdwara?

[Treks]

These photos were posted on 23 October 2014. I've never seen this in a Gurdwara before and I'm wondering if anyone has an idea what they are doing? They are not in the Darbar Sahib... I think they are in the main entrance hallway of the Gurdwara itself. Perhaps it was a memorial for someone? I don't know. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

[Aupmanyav]

No idea. Diwala? A guru parab? Lighting candles and lamps (to be placed somewhere else). Bottles of oil on the tray.

 

[ShivaFan]

They are lighting lamps and candles for Deepali viz Diwali, the date matches Deepali and yes Sikhs celebrate it!

 

[Treks]

Thank you both.

 

[Aupmanyav]

"Sikhs celebrate 'Bandi Chhor Divas' (the day of the release of the prisoner), or Diwali, to mark the return of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, who was freed from imprisonment and also managed to release 52 political prisoners at the same time from Gwalior fort by Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1619."

Diwali 2014: Hindus, Sikhs & Jains Celebrate Festival Of Light

 

[GURSIKH]

ya ,its very common to light candles on Gurprav ,Diwali ..

 

[Aupmanyav]

Gursikh, do sikhs term it as 'diwala'?

 

[GURSIKH]

Gursikh, do sikhs term it as 'diwala'?

NO NO diwala in punjabi means bankruptcy ..

 

[Satnaam]

The historical term used in our books is Deepmala. Bandi Chod Diwas is a new term made by Sikhs who want to distance themselves as much as possible from Hindus.Deepmala sounds better in my opinion, and historically more correct.

It is a celebration of Guru Hargobinds release from the fort of Gwalior. The Guru refused to be liberated alone and asked for all the unjustly detained prisoners (political prisoners) to be released with him too - he got 52 princes liberated. Its a celebration of championing for Human Rights.

 

[Treks]

It's a shame the Gurdwara doesn't have photos of Bandi Chod Diwas, too.