Diwali 2023: What Is Bandi Chhor Divas? This Is How Sikhs Celebrate Diwali

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Diwali, the festival of lights is almost here and it will be celebrated from 10 to 14 November 2023. While we heavily associate this festival with the Hindu community, this festival has more relevance than lighting diyas and bursting crackers.

For people belonging to the Sikh community, this is a day that commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Singh, the sixth of 10 Gurus of the Sikh religion and it is known as Bandi Chhor Diwas, which will be celebrated on 12 November this year. Let us know the significance of this day.

What Is Bandi Chhor Divas? History
A spiritual leader, he was born on 19 June 1595 and served the longest tenure for over 37 years as a spiritual teacher. He was the one who built Akal Takht, which is now one of the five Takhts (seats of power) of the Sikhs. Apart from that, he had also built a fort called Lohagarh near Amritsar.

Significance Of Bandi Chhor Divas
Bandi Chhor Divas symbolizes justice for all. This day is known as 'Prisoner Release Day' and is a significant holiday for Sikhs that coincides with Diwali it commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment in Gwalior Fort by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir along with 52 innocent princes and Kings who were imprisoned there as well.

When he was released, he gave one condition that every Prince who is holding on to Guru's dress should be allowed to leave the prison with him. He then requested a dress that had 52 tassels which allowed all the princes to be freed along with him. The day he returned to Amritsar, Bandi Chhor Divas was celebrated.

Apart from bursting crackers, traditional sweets like karah parshad, which is a sacred pudding and langars are distributed among people who visit Gurdwara. Kirtans are also sung on this day. Sikhs are encouraged to engage in charitable acts or seva (selfless service).

A special prayer service or diwan is organized on this day and people listen to kathas (religious stories and hymns) which highlight the importance of Guru Hargobind Ji's release and his principles of Sikhism. It is a reminder of core Sikh values of freedom, equality, and justice, and uphold all these values and implement them in our lives.