Bill > AJR36

Introduced Session

This resolution designates the weekend that is closest to Diwali during "Diwali Month," October 15 through November 14, as "Bandi Chhor Divas Weekend" in New Jersey. Bandi Chhor Divas, which means liberation of prisoners day, is a Sikh holiday that is celebrated on the same day as Diwali. To facilitate the celebration of Bandi Chhor Divas around the State, New Jersey will observe the holiday over the weekend closest to Diwali. Bandi Chhor Divas celebrates the day Guru Hargobind was released from prison in the 17th century. According to tradition, Guru Hargobind refused to leave prison unless 52 other innocent princes would also be freed. To limit the number of people released, Mughal Emperor Jahangir permitted the guru to leave with anyone who touched his coat. In response, the guru had a coat made with 52 tassels attached so all of the princes could leave prison and return to the holy city of Amritsar. After being released from prison, Guru Hargobind arrived in Amritsar during the celebration of Diwali, meaning "row of lights," as people lit the city with small oil lamps called divas. Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, which typically occurs in either October or November. Sikhs celebrate the importance of freedom, justice, and human rights on Bandi Chhor Divas. During these celebrations, Sikhs often light their homes and places of worship, known as gurdwaras, and exchange dried fruits and sweets. Founded by Guru Nanak in the Punjab region of India during the 15th century, the Sikh spiritual tradition is rooted in the belief that every person, regardless of race, gender, sex, or creed, is equal before God. Sikhism is the world's fifth largest religion with more than 25 million adherents, approximately 500,000 of whom call the United States home.

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Carol Murphy (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document