In Surrey and Delta, November 8 is a double celebration. Hindu families mark Diwali with Lakshmi Puja and diyas; Sikh families mark Bandi Chhor Divas, and gurdwaras glow with lights. Here's what each day is, what's on locally, and how to plan the week.
What Bandi Chhor Divas celebrates
Bandi Chhor Divas — "the day of release of prisoners" — marks the release of Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, from Gwalior Fort, where the Mughal emperor Jahangir had held him. Sikhs also remember that he secured the freedom of 52 rajas held with him. It falls on the new moon of Kartik, so it usually coincides with Diwali.
It's marked with lit lamps at home and in gurdwaras, kirtan, prayers and langar. At Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar the whole complex is lit up with lights and fireworks. Check your local gurdwara for its own programme.
The five days of Diwali 2026
- Fri6Nov
Dhanteras
Traditionally a day for buying something new — utensils, gold, silver. Also the last calm day for a big grocery run.
- Sat7Nov
Choti Diwali
Naraka Chaturdashi. Sweets get made, the house gets its final clean, diyas get set out.
- Sun8Nov
Diwali · Bandi Chhor Divas
Lakshmi Puja in the evening, lights everywhere, gurdwaras lit up. Shops are at their busiest the day before.
- Mon9Nov
Govardhan Puja
Annakut — a spread of many dishes offered and shared.
- Tue10Nov
Bhai Dooj
Siblings' day. One more meal to plan, and one more box of mithai.
Free Diwali events around Surrey & Delta
Diwali at Tsawwassen Mills (Diwali Fest)
FreeSun Nov 1, from 2 pm
Tsawwassen Mills
Event details →DIYAfest North Delta
FreeSat Nov 7, 3–9 pm
North Delta Recreation Centre — free shuttle from Sungod Rec Centre
Event details →Diwali in Vancouver (Diwali Fest)
FreeSat Nov 7, from 2 pm
Roundhouse Community Centre
Event details →Diwali in New Westminster (Diwali Fest)
FreeMon Nov 9, from 5:30 pm
Anvil Centre
Event details →Diwali in Surrey (Diwali Fest)
FreeSun Nov 15, 2–5 pm
Surrey City Hall, 13450 104 Ave
Event details →
Details from the organisers' pages as of Oct 31, 2026. Check the event link before you go — times can change. DIYAfest's ferris wheel reservations are full; there's a waitlist on delta.ca.
A five-day shopping plan
- Before Nov 6: pantry staples, dry fruits, diyas and decorations; order mithai.
- Fri Nov 6 (Dhanteras): utensils or gifts if that's your tradition, plus dairy for sweets.
- Sat Nov 7: vegetables, fruit, flowers, mithai pickup — go early. If you're heading to DIYAfest, shop in the morning.
- Sun Nov 8: only last-minute items. Expect shorter hours at some shops.
- Nov 9–10: groceries for Annakut and Bhai Dooj meals.
The full checklist is in our Diwali 2026 grocery list, and this week's cheapest staples are in the live price watch.
Sources
Questions
When is Bandi Chhor Divas in 2026?
Bandi Chhor Divas is on Sunday, November 8, 2026 — the same day as Diwali.
What Diwali events are in Surrey and Delta in 2026?
DIYAfest North Delta runs Saturday November 7, 3–9 pm at North Delta Recreation Centre, and Diwali Fest's Diwali in Surrey is Sunday November 15, 2–5 pm at Surrey City Hall. Both are free.