AQA · GCSE · Religious Studies
Course version: 8062 · Version from Sept 2018
Practices: Divali
In Sikhism, Divali coincides with the Hindu festival of light but holds distinct historical meaning.
Checked against the AQA 8062 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 32 of 37
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
In Sikhism, Divali coincides with the Hindu festival of light but holds distinct historical meaning. It is celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas, the Day of Liberation, commemorating the release of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind, from Gwalior Fort in 1619. He famously refused to leave unless fifty-two imprisoned Hindu princes were also freed, demonstrating the Sikh virtues of justice and selfless service. When the Guru returned to Amritsar, the Golden Temple was illuminated with thousands of candles to welcome him. Today, Sikhs celebrate Divali by lighting divas (oil lamps), setting off fireworks, attending Gurdwara services, and reflecting on the triumph of freedom over oppression.
What earns the marks
- Identifies Divali in Sikhism as Bandi Chhor Divas (the Day of Liberation).
- Explains the historical context of Guru Hargobind securing the release of 52 Hindu princes.
- Describes the traditional celebrations, such as lighting divas and fireworks, mirroring the illumination of the Golden Temple.
- Connects the festival to core Sikh values of justice, human rights, and the fight against oppression.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Describing Hindu Divali stories (like Rama and Sita) instead of the Sikh significance.
Put it right: Focus exclusively on Guru Hargobind and the release of the 52 princes when answering questions on Sikh Divali.
Stating that Divali is only a Hindu festival.
Put it right: Acknowledge that Sikhs also celebrate Divali, specifically focusing on its meaning as Bandi Chhor Divas.
Confusing the Guru involved in the Divali narrative.
Put it right: Ensure you name Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru, rather than Guru Nanak or Guru Gobind Singh.
Exam tips
- Always use the term 'Bandi Chhor Divas' alongside Divali to show a deep understanding of Sikh terminology.
- Highlight the ethical significance of Guru Hargobind's actions, linking them to the Sikh commitment to defending the rights of others.
- Compare how Divali is celebrated in the home (lighting divas) with community celebrations at the Gurdwara.
Try the lesson
The start of the Practices: Divali lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What specific event do Sikhs celebrate during the festival of Divali, also known as Bandi Chhor Divas?
Listen
In Sikhism, Divali coincides with the Hindu festival of light but holds distinct historical meaning. It is celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas, the Day of Liberation, commemorating the release of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind, from Gwalior Fort in 1619. He famously refused to leave unless fifty-two imprisoned Hindu princes were also freed, demonstrating the Sikh virtues of justice and selfless service. When the Guru returned to Amritsar, the Golden Temple was illuminated with thousands of candles to welcome him. Today, Sikhs celebrate Divali by lighting divas (oil lamps), setting off fireworks, attending Gurdwara services, and reflecting on the triumph of freedom over oppression. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identifies Divali in Sikhism as Bandi Chhor Divas (the Day of Liberation). Explains the historical context of Guru Hargobind securing the release of 52 Hindu princes. Describes the traditional celebrations, such as lighting divas and fireworks, mirroring the illumination of the Golden Temple. Connects the festival to core Sikh values of justice, human rights, and the fight against oppression. A common slip: Describing Hindu Divali stories (like Rama and Sita) instead of the Sikh significance. Instead, Focus exclusively on Guru Hargobind and the release of the 52 princes when answering questions on Sikh Divali. Exam tip: Always use the term 'Bandi Chhor Divas' alongside Divali to show a deep understanding of Sikh terminology.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Bandi Chhor Divas
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Justice and human rights
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Light overcoming darkness
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Community celebration and worship
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See every definition
- Bandi Chhor Divas
- The Day of Liberation, commemorating the release of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind, from Gwalior Fort in 1619.
- Justice and human rights
- Sikh virtues shown by Guru Hargobind refusing to leave unless fifty-two imprisoned Hindu princes were also freed.
- Light overcoming darkness
- Reflecting on the triumph of freedom over oppression, with the Golden Temple illuminated with thousands of candles to welcome the Guru.
- Community celebration and worship
- Celebrating by lighting divas, setting off fireworks and attending Gurdwara services.
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