While Diwali is widely celebrated across India as the festival of lights, in Sikhism, the same period holds a distinct and profoundly meaningful significance: Bandi Chhor Divas, literally the “Day of Liberation.” The festival commemorates a defining moment in Sikh history – the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth Sikh Guru, along with 52 other rulers from Mughal captivity. It is a celebration of freedom, justice, courage, and divine grace, observed with devotion, illumination, and communal spirit.
The Story Behind Bandi Chhor Divas
The story of Bandi Chhor Divas is one of courage, wisdom, and selflessness. Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth Sikh Guru, assumed leadership after the martyrdom of his father, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, who was executed by the Mughal emperor Jahangir in 1606. Determined to protect the Sikh community and uphold justice, Guru Hargobind combined spiritual authority with temporal power, embodying the principle of Miri-Piri – the harmony of spiritual and worldly responsibility.
In 1619, political tensions led to the Guru being summoned to Delhi and subsequently imprisoned in the formidable Gwalior Fort, a Mughal stronghold. Inside the fort, Guru Hargobind discovered that 52 Hindu kings were also held captive, accused of defying Mughal authority.
Rather than seeking his own freedom alone, Guru Hargobind made a remarkable request: he would leave the fort only if the 52 kings were released alongside him. Emperor Jahangir, impressed by the Guru’s courage, wisdom, and moral integrity, agreed to the Guru’s condition. Guru Hargobind emerged from prison not just free himself, but leading 52 liberated rulers, demonstrating the Sikh ideals of selflessness, justice, and protection of the oppressed.
This moment gave birth to the festival’s name: Bandi Chhor Divas – the Day of Liberation. The Guru’s release coincided with Diwali, linking the historical event to the symbolic theme of light triumphing over darkness.
Historical Context: Sikh-Mughal Relations
Understanding Bandi Chhor Divas requires a glance at the turbulent period of early 17th-century India. The Sikh Gurus had increasingly become influential figures in both spiritual and political spheres, which drew suspicion from the Mughal rulers. Guru Hargobind Sahib, unlike his predecessors, recognized the necessity of balancing spiritual teachings with social and political protection. He strengthened the Sikh community by organizing a disciplined, armed force, not for conquest, but for defense and justice.
The Guru’s imprisonment was part of Jahangir’s strategy to curb his influence. However, Guru Hargobind’s wisdom, diplomacy, and moral authority transformed what could have been a period of suppression into a moment of liberation for many – an enduring testament to courage, faith, and leadership.
Spiritual Significance
Bandi Chhor Divas carries profound lessons for the Sikh community and humanity:
– Freedom and Justice: True liberation encompasses selflessness, extending protection and justice to others, as Guru Hargobind demonstrated.
– Faith in Divine Grace: The Guru’s release exemplifies how courage, righteousness, and devotion align with divine will to overcome adversity.
– Light Over Darkness: Just as Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil, Bandi Chhor Divas represents triumph over oppression and the illumination of righteousness.
Guru Hargobind’s philosophy of Miri-Piri also reminds us that spiritual and worldly responsibilities are inseparable – one must cultivate inner virtue while taking action in the world to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable.
Celebrations and Traditions
Bandi Chhor Divas is marked with devotion, illumination, and community service:
– Illumination of Gurdwaras: Sikh temples, especially the Golden Temple in Amritsar, are decorated with thousands of diyas, candles, and lights, creating a breathtaking reflection on the sacred waters.
– Kirtan and Ardas: Devotional singing of hymns and prayers focuses on freedom, justice, and the welfare of all beings.
– Langar (Community Kitchen): Free meals are served to everyone, emphasizing equality, service, and generosity.
– Nagar Kirtans: Public processions with hymns, martial arts displays (Gatka), and community participation celebrate Sikh courage and unity.
Bandi Chhor Divas and Diwali: Shared Symbolism
Although distinct, Bandi Chhor Divas coincides with Diwali, and both festivals share themes of light, hope, and victory over darkness. Both inspire inner reflection, gratitude, and community service – whether through lighting diyas or serving langar. Together, they create a period of moral, spiritual, and communal rejuvenation.
Global Observance
Sikhs worldwide observe Bandi Chhor Divas with reverence:
– Canada, the UK, USA, Malaysia, and Australia: Gurdwaras host special prayers, illuminate their premises, and organize community meals and cultural programs.
– The festival also educates local communities about Sikh history and values, emphasizing freedom, justice, and moral courage.
Lessons for the Modern World
Bandi Chhor Divas teaches timeless values:
– Advocate for justice and freedom, not only for oneself but for all.
– Uphold moral courage in the face of oppression.
– Balance spiritual growth with worldly responsibilities.
The Guru’s example offers a model for ethical leadership, social responsibility, and the enduring power of faith and selflessness. Bandi Chhor Divas is more than a historical remembrance; it is a festival of liberation, light, and courage. By commemorating Guru Hargobind Sahib’s release and the liberation of 52 kings, Sikhs celebrate the triumph of righteousness, the power of compassion, and the eternal light of justice. As diyas illuminate homes and gurdwaras, the festival reminds humanity that courage, selflessness, and moral integrity are the true lights that dispel darkness in every era.
Tag: Bandi Chhor Divas
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Bandi Chhor Divas: The Sikh festival of freedom and light
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Bandi Chhor Divas
Bandi Chhor Divas is a Sikh celebration that commemorates the day when the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib, and 52 Hindu kings, who were detained during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, were released from prison. The name translates to “day of liberation” or “release of the captives”.
It coincides with the celebration of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. There’s a public misconception that the two celebrations are just the same. Diwali is celebrated by Hindus and has its own significances while Bandi Chhor Divas is a Sikh holiday commemorating the Guru’s release. The only connection between the two holidays is when Guru Hargobind was released and traveled back home to Amritsar, he arrived during the celebration of Diwali.
Bandi Chhor Divas also honors the martyrdom of Bhai Mani Singh who was executed in 1734 because of his refusal to pay religious meeting taxes.
In Sikh history and culture, it is the second most important day after Baisaikhi in the month of April that signifies the creation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh JI.
Guru Hargobind had been imprisoned in the Gwalior Fort on orders of the Mughal Emperor Jehangir. The reason for the young Guru’s imprisonment was no more than religious bigotry and apprehension of the Emperor and the Mughals about the popularity of the Sikh religion and its growing military power. The Guru’s father, and fifth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Arjan Dev, had been martyred for similar reasons of religious bigotry.
While in Gwalior Fort Jail, Guru Hargobind came into the acquaintance of 52 Hindu Princes imprisoned there due to evident cases of political persecution and exploitation. They were interned under deplorable conditions by the oppressive Mughal regime. The Guru spent his time in prison looking after them and became their spiritual mentor.
The release of the Guru was negotiated with Emperor Jahangir by two Muslims, Sain Mian Mir, an old loyalist of the Sikh faith and a friend of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Wazir Khan, the Governor of Lahore and another admirer of the Guru. They convinced the Emperor that the Guru and the Sikhs held no ill will towards the Mughals and as such were not a threat to the Mughal Court as they were made out to be by some with a vested interest. The Emperor realised his folly and agreed to free the Guru.
The Guru agreed to be freed only if the other Hindu Princes were also freed along with him. Jehangir, already under pressure, relented grudgingly and ordained, “Let those Rajah’s be freed who can hold on to the hem of the Guru’s dress and walk out of prison.” Jehangir thought that only a few of the prisoners would be able to come out.
The Guru, however, outmanoeuvred the Mughal Emperor by getting a special dress with a large hemline made. Ultimately, all 52 princes who had been wrongly incarcerated managed to get freedom along with the Guru. Guru Hargobind is also referred to as “Bandi Chor Baba.”
The Sikhs celebrate the auspicious occasion as “Bandi Chor”(release of prisoners) Diwas. The arrival of the Guru at the holy city of Amritsar on Diwali Day was celebrated by lighting of hundreds of lamps. The Sikhs received their Guru in a manner similar to the one adopted by the people of Ayodhya when their beloved Prince came back from exile.
Another important Sikh event associated with Diwali and Bandhi Chor Divas is the martyrdom in 1734 of the elderly Sikh scholar and strategist Bhai Mani Singh. Bhai Mani Singh was the Granthi (Head Priest) and Jathedar (community leader)of Akal Takth as appointed by Guru Gobind Singh. He was killed brutally by the Mughals for refusing to pay them a special tax for a meeting in the Gurdwara to commemorate Bandi Chor Divas.
In 1737 Bhai Mani Singh promised a tribute of Rs 5000/- to the Governor of Lahore, Zakaria Khan, for permission to hold a Sikh congregation in Harmandir Sahib for the Bandhi Chor Divas. The evil Zakaria Khan gave permission but also planned to attack the Sikhs when they congregated. Bhai Mani Singh came to know of the plan and he sent messages stopping the Sikhs from coming for the congregation. Then Bhai Mani Singh told Governor Zakaria Khan that he would not pay the tribute since the congregation had not taken place due to the perfidy of the Mughals. Zakaria Khan got infuriated and ordered the arrest of Bhai Mani Singh. At that old age Bhai Mani Singh was told to convert to Islam or accept death by dismemberment. Bhai Mani Singh refused to accept Islam and was executed at Nakhaas Chowk, Lahore which is now known as Shaheed Ganj (place of martyrdom). -
Bandi Chhor Divas
Bandi Chhor Divas, i.e., “the day of release of detainees” holds a great significance for the Sikhs since it was on this day in 1619 that the sixth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Hargobind, returned to Amritsar from Gwalior where he had been imprisoned by the Mughals. In Sikh history and culture, it is the second most important day after Baisaikhi.
The Sikh celebration of the return of the sixth Nanak from detention in the Gwalior Fort coincides with Hindu festival of Diwali. This coincidence has resulted in similarity of celebration amongst Sikhs and Hindus.
Guru Hargobind had been imprisoned in the Gwalior Fort on orders of the Mughal Emperor Jehangir. The reason for the young Guru’s imprisonment was no more than religious bigotry and apprehension of the Emperor and the Mughals about the popularity of the Sikh religion and its growing military power. The Guru’s father, and fifth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Arjan Dev, had been martyred for similar reasons of religious bigotry.
Emperor Jahangir had imprisoned the sixth Nanak because he was afraid of the Guru’s growing following and power. The Sikhs on this day, which generally falls in october-November, hold a one-day celebrations in the Gurdwaras. So in the evening, illuminations are done with Deewé (earthen oil lamps) or candles and fireworks. The celebrations are held both in the Gurdwaras and in homes.
The story of Diwali for the Sikhs is a story of the Sikh struggle for freedom. From the time of Guru Nanak (1469 – 1539), the founder of Sikhism, popular seasonal or folk festivals like the harvest festival of Vaisakhi, or ancient mythological festivals like Holi and Divali, or worship rituals like Aarti, began to take on a new significance for the Guru’s students, the Sikhs. The Guru used these festivals and special days e.g. first day of each lunar month, as symbols or pegs for his teaching themes. And so the Sikhs were slowly diverted from darkness of superstitious ritualism based on fear and ignorance to an enlightened ideology based on reason and belief in One Creator. The enlightened ideology of Guru Nanak gave new significance to ancient festivals like Divali and Vaisakhi
So what about Divali, the festival of lights when, according to Indian lore, Lord Rama returned home after destroying the demon god Ravana who had taken away Rama’s wife, Sita? The story, of course, has no significance in the Sikh tradition. However, in the Sikh struggle for freedom from the oppressive Mughal regime, the festival of Divali did become the second most important day after the Vaisakhi festival in April.
The Sixth Guru Hargobind, was freed from imprisonment in the famous fort of Gwalior by Emperor Jahangir in October, 1619. The reason for the young Guru’s imprisonment was no more than religious bigotry. The Guru’s father, Guru Arjan, had been martyred for the same reason. According to Sikh tradition, the Guru agreed to be freed only if the other Indian chiefs (rajahs) imprisoned with him were freed. Jahangir was under pressure from moderate but influential Muslim religious leaders like Hajrat Mian Mir, a friend of the Guru. So he relented grudgingly and ordained, Let those rajahs be freed who can hold on to the Guru’s coat tails and walk out of prison. He had in mind no more than four or five being freed with the Guru.
However, the Guru was not to be outmanoeuvred in this way. He asked for a special coat to be made with 52 coat tails – same number as the rajahs in prison with him! And so the rajahs were freed and the Guru became known popularly as the Bandi Chhor (Deliverer from prison). He arrived at Amritsar on the Divali day and the Har Mandar (now known as the Golden Temple) was lit with hundreds of lamps i.e. he was received in the same way as the Lord Rama and the day came to be known as the Bandi Chhor Divas (the day of freedom).
Guru Hargobind reached Amritsar on the eve of Diwali, after his release from Gwalior fort, during the reign of Jahangir.The People illuminated the Golden Temple and the city splendidly to celebrate the return of their Guru to the city. Thereafter, Diwali is being celebrated at Amritsar with great pump and show, and also with a lot of religious fervour. During the fair, religious congregations are held at Manji Sahib, Akal Takhat and Baba Atal which continue for three days. A large number of poets and singers also participate. Recitation of Granth Sahib is done at Darbar Sahib, Akal Takhat and various gurudwaras in the vicinity of Golden Tample. Early in the morning, pilgrims take a holy dip in the scared tank, while reciting Japji Sahib and thereafter, they go to the Golden Temple for paying their obeisance. They make offerings of various kinds both in cash and kind, such as flowers, candy-drops and parched-rice grains, but mostly the offerings are of karah parshad. which is prepared and sold to the pilgrims by the management. Circumambulation of the tank is considered sacred by the pilgrims.
Illuminations and pyrotechnic display are the unique features of the Diwali celebrations. A mammoth gathering in the parikarma and on the adjoining buildings witness to their great delight the multicolored lights thrown up in the sky and their reflections in the water of the tank. Chain of the electric lights hang along the causeway and on the Darshani Deorhi. Small earthen lamps lighted and fed with sarson oil are arranged in lines all around the tank. All buildings in the compound are bedecked with coloured lights. Candles and small earthen lamps fed with pure ghee are floated in the tank.
This fair is attended by people in the large numbers who come from far and near. A large number of visitors take shelter in the verandahs of the various buildings in the premises. All local inns, rest houses and other common places are packed to capacity. The free mess, called Guru Ram Dass Langar, remains open for all. The whole function is organised by Shiromani Gurudwara Parbhandhak Committee. During the fair, qualified doctors render free medical service to the pilgrims.
Thenceforth, the Sikh struggle for freedom, which intensified in the 18th Century, came to be centred around this day. In addition to the Vaisakhi day (now in April), when Khalsa, the Sikh nation was formally established by the Tenth Guru Gobind Singh, Divali became the second day in the years when the Khalsa met and planned their freedom strategy.
Celebrations
On the occassion of Bandi Chhor Divas, Sikhs observe a one-day celebrations in the Gurdwaras. In the evening, illuminations are lighted with Deewé (earthen oil lamps) or candles and fireworks are also bursted. Such celebrations are held both in the Gurdwaras and in homes.
Sacrifice of Bhai Mani Singh
Another important Sikh event associated with Divali is the martyrdom in 1734 of the elderly Sikh scholar and strategist Bhai Mani Singh, the Granthi (priest) of Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple). He had refused to pay a special tax on a religious meeting of the Khalsa on the Divali day. This and other Sikh martyrdoms gave further momentum to the Khalsa struggle for freedom and eventually success in establishing the Khalsa rule north of Delhi
Bhai Mani Singh was a great scholar and he transcripted the final version of Guru Granth Sahib upon dictation from Guru Govind Singh ji in 1704. He took charge of Harmandir Sahib’s management on 1708. Diwali was not celebrated in Golden Temple at that time. In 1737, he received permission from Mogul emperor of Punjab, Zakaria Khan for celebrating Diwali at Golden Temple for a massive tax of Rs. 5,000 (some authors say it was Rs10,000). Invitations were sent to the Sikhs all over India to join Bandi Chhorh Diwas celebrations at Harmandir Sahib. Bhai Singh thought he would collect the tax-money from the Sikhs as subscriptions who would assemble for the purpose of Diwali Celebrations.
But Bhai Mani Singh Ji later discovered the secret plan of Zakariya Khan to kill the Sikhs during the gathering. Bhai Mani Singh Ji immediately sent message to all the Sikhs not to turn up for celebrations. Bhai Mani Singh could not manage to arrange the money to be paid for tax. Zakariya Khan was not happy about the situation and he ordered Bhai Mani Singh’s assassination at Lahore by ruthlessly cutting him limb-by-limb to death. Ever since, the great sacrifice & devotion of martyr Bhai Mani Singh Ji is remembered on the Bandi Chhorh Diwas (Diwali) celebration.