Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Wishes Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas

Key Takeaways

The Chief Minister's Office of Punjab posted Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas greetings on 8 November 2026 .

The message was issued on behalf of CM Bhagwant Mann , who has led Punjab since March 2022 under the Aam Aadmi Party .

Bandi Chhor Divas marks the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib from Gwalior Fort and coincides with Diwali in several years.

The greetings were addressed to all 'countrymen' across India , not only Punjab residents.

Punjab's dual acknowledgement reflects the state's large Sikh population and composite cultural calendar.

Two festivals, one message — the Chief Minister's Office of Punjab extended warm greetings to the nation on Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas on Sunday, 8 November 2026, conveying wishes from the state government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The post, shared in Punjabi, reads: 'ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਮੁੱਖ ਮੰਤਰੀ Bhagwant Mann ਦੀ ਅਗਵਾਈ ਵਾਲੀ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਸਮੂਹ ਦੇਸ਼ ਵਾਸੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਦਿਵਾਲੀ ਤੇ ਬੰਦੀ ਛੋੜ ਦਿਵਸ ਦੀ ਵਧਾਈ ਦਿੰਦੀ ਹੈ।' — 'The Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann wishes all countrymen a Happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.'

Two Celebrations, One Day in Punjab

Diwali, the nationwide festival of lights, and Bandi Chhor Divas — a distinctly Sikh observance — frequently fall on the same date, making the occasion especially resonant in Punjab. Bandi Chhor Divas marks the release of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib, from Gwalior Fort by Mughal Emperor Jahangir, and his arrival at the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar. The twin celebration reflects Punjab's composite cultural identity — a state where Hindu and Sikh traditions interweave in daily life and in the calendar.

Mann Government's Message to the Nation

Bhagwant Mann, who has led Punjab as Chief Minister since March 2022 under the Aam Aadmi Party, addressed all 'countrymen' — not just Punjab residents — a framing that positions the state government's greetings as a national gesture. Official social media channels of Indian state governments routinely mark major festivals this way, but Punjab's dual reference to Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas is a deliberate nod to the state's large Sikh population and its cultural heritage. For millions of Punjabis, the lights of Diwali and the memory of Guru Hargobind's freedom burn together tonight — and the state government made sure to honour both flames.

Point of View

Addressing 'all countrymen' rather than just Punjab residents is consistent with AAP's national political ambitions. The dual greeting is also low-risk bridge-building: it acknowledges Hindu and Sikh traditions simultaneously, reinforcing inclusive optics in a state where identity politics around religion and community run deep. Expect similar dual-festival messaging to persist as a routine feature of CMO Punjab's social media calendar.

NationPress

8 Nov 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bandi Chhor Divas?

Bandi Chhor Divas is a Sikh festival that commemorates the release of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib, from Gwalior Fort. It often coincides with Diwali on the Hindu calendar.

Why does Punjab celebrate both Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas together?

Punjab has a large Sikh population, and Bandi Chhor Divas frequently falls on the same date as Diwali, making a joint celebration a natural reflection of the state's composite Hindu-Sikh cultural identity.

Who is Bhagwant Mann?

Bhagwant Mann is the Chief Minister of Punjab, representing the Aam Aadmi Party. He has held the post since March 2022.

When did CMO Punjab post Diwali greetings in 2026?

The Chief Minister's Office of Punjab posted Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas greetings on Sunday, 8 November 2026.

Does the Punjab government post festival greetings regularly on social media?

Yes, the CMO Punjab account regularly uses official social media channels to issue greetings for major festivals, including both Hindu and Sikh occasions given the state's diverse population.