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: Sikh Festival
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Bandi Chhor Divas: The Sikh festival of freedom and light
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Vaisakhi: The story behind the Sikh festival
The Sikh celebration called Vaisakhi happens annually either on 13th or 14th day of April. The origins of Vaisakhi stem from a spring harvest festival native to the Punjab region of South Asia, but more importantly marked as a religious significance for Sikhs.
“Vaisakhi celebrates the culmination of a centuries-long journey, from the foundation of the faith in 1469, to ensure equality of all people — regardless of race, gender, faith, nationality, or any other identity,” Sumeet Kaur Bal, communications director for Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, told NBC News. “This journey culminated in the institutionalization of the Sikh identity and our shared values, which occurred on Vaisakhi.”
In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666-1708) — the tenth Sikh guru-prophet — gathered a record number of Sikhs to formally establish the Khalsa Panth, a community of initiated Sikhs. The Khalsa Panth was formalized and entrusted as the collective body with authority. It is important to note that Sikhism was born at a time of great inequality and injustice in India — which in many ways continues today, according to Bal.
“Guru Gobind Singh Ji vested power in the Khalsa Panth, or Sikh familyhood, to be politically and civically engaged and combat injustice in the world around us, but to have this engagement guided and fueled by our understanding of religion,” Bal said.
Sikhism is a monotheistic faith founded on the principles of equality, freedom of religion, and community service. As the fifth-largest religion in the world, one of the core teachings of the Sikh tradition is that all Sikhs must cultivate spirituality while also serving the world around us. Sikhs, both men and women, cover their uncut hair with a turban which represents a commitment to equality and justice.
“One of the many terms that captures this outlook is sant-sipahi, which translates to saint-soldier,” Simran Jeet Singh, senior religion fellow for the Sikh Coaltion, told NBC News. “Maintaining such a balance is a difficult thing to do, yet being both spiritually focused and politically engaged is an integral part of the Sikh faith.”
Additionally, Baisakhi is a harvest festival and the start of the new agricultural year in Punjab, where farmers give thanks for the bountiful harvest and pray for future prosperity. For Hindus, Baisakhi is associated with the Vaisakha festival, celebrated as the solar new year. It is a time for bathing in sacred rivers, worship, and community fairs, as mythologically, it is believed that Goddess Ganga descended to Earth on this day, leading many to take holy dips in rivers like the Ganges, Jhelum, and Kaveri.
Baisakhi is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in Punjab and Haryana. People participate in traditional folk dances like Bhangra and Gidda, wear vibrant clothes, and enjoy festive foods. In essence, it’s a festival that embodies the spirit of joy, reflection, and renewal, marking the beginning of a new year and commemorating significant historical events.
Welcoming the Festival of Joy and Happiness
Baisakhi is celebrated with great pomp and extreme happiness, especially by the Sikhs. The gurdwaras are cleaned and decorated. Many people throng to the gurdwaras to offer prayers and seek the blessings of the almighty for the prosperous year ahead. Overall, the Baisakhi celebrations are carried out by the Sikhs in a very well planned manner.
Morning Prayer in the Gurdwaras
In the morning, the Sikh people take bath and wear the new clothes. The Sikh families then assemble at the gurdwaras to attend a specially organized prayer in the morning. After the prayer is over, the devotees are distributed a sweet known as the ‘Kada Prasad’.
Langar for the worshippers
In the afternoon, around lunch time, a langar (vegetarian food) is organized for the devotees in the gurdwara. All the people whether they are rich or poor are equally served the same food. There is no discrimination followed in the gurdwara.
Procession of Guru Granth Sahib
The procession of Guru Granth Sahib is known as Nagar Kirtan in Punjabi. It is a religious procession accompanied by holy hymns and is an important part of the festival of Baisakhi. The procession is always led by the Panj Pyare (the five beloved ones who form the central part of the Khalsa), who are dressed in saffron. They are followed by the holy book of the Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib, and other members of the procession. The road through which the procession is to pass is cleared beforehand by the sewadars (volunteers). The procession finally comes to a halt at a particular Gurudwara where Ardas (prayers) is offered.
Worshippers dance their heart out
Any Baisakhi celebration is termed to be incomplete without the memorable dance performances. There are two prominent forms of dance that are performed by the Sikhs – bhangra and gidda. Bhangra is essentially a high energy dance that involves plenty of jumping. It is generally performed by both men and women. Gidda is another folk dance traditionally performed by the women. The dance reflects the celebratory mood of the women and their joyful spirits.
Day to Receive Guru’s Blessings for Sikhs
According to a popular legend in Sikhism, it was on the day of Vaisakhi in 1567 that Guru Amar Das had first institutionalized Vaisakhi as one of the special days when all Sikhs would gather to receive the guru’s blessings at Goindwal.
Foundation of Arya Samaj
The day of Vaisakhi Festival is also important for the Hindus as it on this day in 1875 that Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj – a reformed sect of Hindus who are devoted to the Vedas for spiritual guidance and have discarded idol worship.
Attainment of Nirvana
by Gautam Buddha
For the Buddhist, the day of Vaisakhi Festival is significant, as according to a popular legend it was on this auspicious day that Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment or Nirvana under the Mahabodhi tree in the town of Gaya. For this reason, the day of Vaisakhi is celebrated as Buddha Purnima is several parts of the country.
Vaisakhi Celebration in India
The auspicious day of Vaisakhi is celebrated all over India though under different names and with different set of rituals. People of Assam celebrate April 13 as Rongali Bihu, while those in West Bengal celebrate it as Naba Barsha. Bihar celebrates Vaisakhi as Vaishakha in honour of the Sun God, Surya while Kerala celebrates it asVishu and Tamil Nadu as Puthandu. In Kashmir, a ceremonial bath and general festivity mark Vaisakhi while in Himachal Pradesh devotees flock to the temple of Jwalamukhi and take a holy dip in the Hot Springs.
Celebrations around the world
Most of us know that Vaisakhi celebration commemorates the anniversary of the Khalsa which was laid down by Guru Gobind Singh. Though it signifies its establishment in India, Sikh communities all around the world engage in an overwhelming festivity to mark this auspicious day.
Pakistan
The festivities of Vaisakhi are widely celebrated by the Sikhs of Western Punjab in Pakistan. The celebrations are observed on the Panja Sahib complex in Hasan Abdal, numerous Gurudwaras in Nankana Sahib and various historical sites in Lahore.
Malaysia
Earlier Malaysia did not observe Vaisakhi to be considered as a public holiday, since the Sikh community ranked among the minorities here. However in 2013 Prime Minister Najib Razak announced that all Sikh government servants would be granted leave on the same occasion. The celebrations in Malyasia typically take place in the form of ‘open houses’.
United States
Los Angeles and Manhattan are the two primary places that epitomize Vaisakhi celebrations. The Sikhs of Manhattan offer ‘Seva’ to the community by offering food and contribute to the completion of labour oriented tasks. A full day Kirtan is also hosted at the Gurudwara which is followed by a procession.
United Kingdom
Birmingham being the largest concentration of Sikhs makes a point to celebrate this festival king size. More than one lakh people make it to the festivity at the Handsworth Park. This year it’s going to get bigger as the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Birmingham is marking their 25th anniversary. The celebration will be followed by a Simran which is the remembrance of God by repetition or recital of his name during a spiritual meditation.
Canada
Canada has the most of Sikh population and the celebrations of Vaisakhi here are considered as a global phenomenon. A massive parade is observed with more than 2 lakh participants. With an array of entertaining performances, the celebrations consist of floats represented by various communities. -
British Army Officers celebrate Sikh festival of Holla Mohalla
The tradition dates back to the early 18th century
LONDON (TIP): The British Army celebrated the Sikh festival of Holla Mohalla with several British Sikh officers from the Defense Sikh Network (DSN) organizing the annual spring festivities that showcase the spirit of courage, preparation and readiness. The festival dates back to the early 18th century when it was initiated by Guru Gobind Singh as a celebration of military prowess during which martial skills are honed and exhibited in fierce but well-natured competition.
This year’s British Army Sikh Holla Mohalla event took place at the Ash Ranges in Hampshire, south-east England, on Tuesday, March 19 and involved traditional games such as tug of war as an ode to the military forebears who played these games.
Defense Sikh Network said its members, mainly the soldiers from the British Army, celebrated the Sikh Military Festival by taking part in the military shooting competition, traditional Sikh martial arts and traditional Sikh military games and finally finished the festival with rang, the throwing of colored powder as a mark of victory.
The network is the official organization within the UK’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) that supports inclusion from a Sikh perspective. The network said the festival particularly resonates with the Sikhs within the country’s armed forces and, therefore, it began celebrating it in the British Army in 2021.
“We feel this should be one of the premier events in the Sikh calendar to ensure our martial tradition continues. This event is a celebration of our longstanding tradition of Sikh military culture and values,” the Defense Sikh Network said.
(Source: PTI)