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Happy Diwali & Bandi Chhor Divas Lighting the Path of Culture and Freedom

October 20, 2025

โœจ Happy Diwali & Bandi Chhor Divas โ€” Lighting the Path of Culture and Freedom โœจ

At the Royal Academy of Punjab, festivals are more than cultural moments โ€” they are living lessons in values, unity, and identity. As we celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, we honour not only the glow of light but the strength of liberation, compassion, and shared humanity.

๐ŸŒŸ The Deeper Meaning of Diwali

Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, holds a timeless message that transcends borders and generations. Rooted in the Sanskrit word Deepavali โ€” meaning a row of lights โ€” it symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Across India and around the world, homes sparkle with diyas, candles, and lanterns that represent the inner light within each of us โ€” the flame of truth, love, and righteousness.

Traditionally, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana. But beyond the mythological tale, Diwaliโ€™s essence lies in renewal โ€” cleansing the past, igniting positivity, and embracing a brighter tomorrow. Itโ€™s a time for families to gather, forgive, and celebrate togetherness. At the Royal Academy of Punjab, we see Diwali as a reflection of our mission: to keep Punjabi culture shining through generations, illuminating hearts with pride, creativity, and unity.

๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ The Spirit of Bandi Chhor Divas

While Diwali lights the lamps of joy, Bandi Chhor Divas lights the spirit of freedom. This sacred Sikh day marks the return of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji from imprisonment in the Gwalior Fort โ€” not alone, but with 52 Hindu kings whom he refused to leave behind. The term Bandi Chhor means the day of liberation of prisoners, reminding us that true leadership is about selflessness and justice.

Guru Sahibโ€™s courage and compassion teach us that liberation is not only physical but spiritual โ€” freeing ourselves from ego, anger, and ignorance. His act of unity continues to inspire generations to stand for equality and humanity. At the Academy, we carry this same value: building spaces where every individual โ€” regardless of age, background, or ability โ€” feels free to express, grow, and belong.

๐Ÿ’™ Lighting the Way Forward

As we light our diyas this Diwali and remember Guru Hargobind Sahib Jiโ€™s sacrifice on Bandi Chhor Divas, let us also ignite the light within โ€” a commitment to kindness, inclusion, and purpose. Every dance, every rhythm, and every act of giving back becomes a way to honour the values these festivals represent.

This season, may we celebrate not only the brightness of lamps but the brilliance of humanity. Let compassion be our flame, freedom our faith, and community our guiding light.

From all of us at the Royal Academy of Punjab โ€”

Happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas!

May your homes and hearts be filled with light, laughter, and endless love.

๐Ÿ’ซ Discover a World of Punjabi Culture

#RoyalAcademyOfPunjab #Diwali #BandiChhorDivas #RoyalLegacy #PunjabiCulture #LightAndFreedom #UnityInDiversity

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COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan
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Royal Academy of Punjab

Covid-19 Health and Safety Plan

Safe Physical Distancing: The dance floor has been marked into safe distance zones whichare at least 2 metres apart or more. Only one person is permitted per marker, and please stayin your marked area.

Hand washing: Please wash your hands or sanitize before your class and after your class.Use the sinks in the washrooms (one person at a time)

Masks: The most recent recommendation from Canadaโ€™s public health is that of wearing anon-medical masks or face covering as an additional layer of protection, even when physicaldistancing is active at the studio.

We recommend you wear a mask while attending a class if you are comfortable doing so, but do take it offif you experience dizziness or a shortness of breath while wearing it.

Our Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols: We have implemented enhanced antibacterialand antiviral cleaning and sanitizing protocols for all common areas and surfaces, includingwashrooms, light switches, door handles. etc. This includes increasing the frequency thatthese items are cleaned (number of times per day) as well as the timing (before and afterclasses).

If You Feel Unwell: If you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, a cough, sorethroat, stuffy or runny nose, etc, or if you are in proximity with someone who is ill, please stayhome and DO NOT attend classes (This will be strictly enforced).

Class Times: We are staggering our class start times with a break between classes to allowfor cleaning and sanitization as well as to prevent large groups from congregating in thestudio during class cross over.

Limited contact: Staff and students are asked to please refrain from high fives and hugs forthe time being from public health advisors.

Travel: If you have recently travelled internationally, please stay home, self - isolate yourself,and refrain from attending the classes. Also, if you have travelled across different provinceswith-in Canada, it is mandatory to let us know in advance.

PARENTS: You can help! Please help your children read and understand these guidelines if youdecide to send them for their classes at the studio.We have given the full control to ourparents to make the decision of whether to send the children to the studio or continue theirclasses on ZOOM. We recommend to encourage the students to take safety as a priority andthen learn to keep themselves safe.