Diwali in Sikhism: Bandi Chhor Divas and Guru Hargobind Ji

While millions across India celebrate Diwali as the festival of lights commemorating Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, the Sikh community observes this day with equal fervor but for a profoundly different reason. For Sikhs, Diwali marks Bandi Chhor Divas (the Day of Liberation), celebrating the heroic return of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, and his liberation of 52 princes from the Mughal prison at Gwalior Fort.

The Historical Context

The story of Bandi Chhor Divas dates back to 1619 CE, during a tumultuous period in Sikh history. Guru Hargobind Ji, who became the sixth Sikh Guru at the young age of eleven in 1606, had inherited a community still mourning the martyrdom of his father, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, who had been tortured to death by Mughal Emperor Jahangir.

Unlike his predecessors who emphasized spiritual practices, Guru Hargobind Ji introduced the concept of Miri-Piri (temporal and spiritual sovereignty), symbolized by wearing two swords. He established the Akal Takht (Throne of the Timeless One) as the temporal seat of Sikh authority and trained his followers in martial arts and warfare, preparing them to defend their faith and the oppressed.

The Imprisonment at Gwalior Fort

Emperor Jahangir, growing increasingly wary of Guru Hargobind Ji’s growing influence and the militarization of the Sikh community, ordered his arrest on fabricated charges. Some historical accounts suggest that Jahangir’s courtiers and certain religious figures persuaded him that the Guru posed a threat to Mughal authority.

Guru Hargobind Ji was imprisoned in the formidable Gwalior Fort, a massive hilltop fortress that served as a high-security prison for royal and political prisoners. The fort already held 52 Hindu Rajas (princes) who had been detained for various reasons by the Mughal administration, many on religious or political grounds.

Life in Captivity

During his imprisonment, Guru Hargobind Ji’s spiritual strength and compassionate nature deeply moved the other prisoners. He would spend time in meditation and prayer, and his presence brought hope and solace to the 52 princes who had been languishing in captivity, some for years.

The Guru did not waste his time in despair. Instead, he used this period to engage in spiritual discourse with fellow prisoners, offering them hope and spiritual guidance. His divine personality and wisdom attracted the respect and reverence of all who encountered him, including some of the prison guards.

The Emperor’s Change of Heart

After several months of imprisonment, Emperor Jahangir fell seriously ill. His condition deteriorated despite the best efforts of royal physicians. The emperor’s mother and some of his advisors, who held Guru Hargobind Ji in high regard, suggested that the Guru’s imprisonment might have brought divine displeasure upon the emperor.

A revered Sufi saint named Hazrat Mian Mir, who was respected by both Sikhs and Muslims and had laid the foundation stone of the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), also interceded on behalf of the Guru. He convinced Jahangir that Guru Hargobind Ji was a holy man unjustly imprisoned.

Realizing his mistake and seeking spiritual merit, Jahangir ordered the release of Guru Hargobind Ji.

The Guru’s Condition for Freedom

When Guru Hargobind Ji learned of his impending release, he demonstrated the selfless compassion that defines Sikh values. He refused to leave unless all 52 imprisoned princes were also freed.

The Guru declared: “I will only accept freedom if the captive kings are also released.”

Emperor Jahangir, moved by this extraordinary act of compassion but constrained by political considerations, agreed to release only those princes who could hold onto the Guru’s cloak as he left the fort. The emperor likely expected only a few princes could physically hold onto the Guru’s garment.

The Cloak with 52 Tassels

Guru Hargobind Ji, demonstrating both wisdom and compassion, commissioned a special cloak with 52 tassels or panels, one for each imprisoned prince. When the day of liberation arrived, each of the 52 princes held onto one tassel of the Guru’s cloak, and thus all were freed.

This ingenious solution fulfilled the letter of the emperor’s condition while achieving the Guru’s goal of freeing all the prisoners. The image of Guru Hargobind Ji walking out of Gwalior Fort with 52 princes holding his cloak remains one of the most iconic moments in Sikh history.

The Glorious Return to Amritsar

Guru Hargobind Ji and the liberated princes arrived in Amritsar on the day of Diwali. The entire city erupted in celebration. The Golden Temple and the entire town were illuminated with thousands of lamps and candles (diyas) to welcome the Guru home.

The Sikh community, which had anxiously awaited their Guru’s return, celebrated not just his freedom but his embodiment of the Sikh principle of standing up for justice and protecting the oppressed, regardless of their faith or background.

Since then, Sikhs have celebrated this day as Bandi Chhor Divas, lighting up the Golden Temple and gurdwaras worldwide, just as their ancestors did in 1619.

The Significance of Bandi Chhor Divas

Bandi Chhor Divas holds profound significance in Sikhism for several reasons:

1. Triumph of Justice Over Tyranny

The festival celebrates the victory of righteousness over oppression. Guru Hargobind Ji’s refusal to accept personal freedom at the cost of others’ suffering exemplifies the Sikh commitment to justice.

2. Interfaith Harmony

By securing the release of Hindu princes, Guru Hargobind Ji demonstrated that Sikhism stands for the protection of all people, regardless of their religious beliefs. This act reinforced the universal message of Sikhism.

3. Spiritual and Temporal Power

The event highlighted Guru Hargobind Ji’s concept of Miri-Piri, showing that spiritual leaders must also engage with worldly affairs to protect the vulnerable and uphold justice.

4. The Principle of Selflessness

The Guru’s insistence on collective liberation rather than personal freedom teaches Sikhs the importance of community welfare over individual gain.

5. Courage and Wisdom

The creative solution of the cloak with 52 tassels demonstrates that courage must be combined with wisdom to achieve righteous goals.

How Bandi Chhor Divas is Celebrated

At the Golden Temple

The Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar becomes the center of Bandi Chhor Divas celebrations. The entire complex is illuminated with thousands of lights and diyas, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The sacred pool (Sarovar) reflects the lights, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.

A spectacular fireworks display lights up the night sky over the Golden Temple, and special prayers (kirtan) are held throughout the day and night.

At Gurdwaras Worldwide

Sikh gurdwaras around the world hold special prayer services and readings from the Guru Granth Sahib. The gurdwaras are decorated with lights and flowers, and community meals (langar) are served to all visitors, regardless of faith.

Community Celebrations

Sikh families clean and decorate their homes with lights and diyas, similar to Hindu Diwali traditions but in commemoration of Guru Hargobind Ji’s return. Sweets are distributed, and families gather to share meals and recount the story of Bandi Chhor Divas to younger generations.

Nagar Kirtan

In many Sikh communities, processions called Nagar Kirtan are organized, where the Guru Granth Sahib is carried through the streets on a decorated float, accompanied by hymn singing and martial arts displays.

Guru Hargobind Ji’s Legacy

Guru Hargobind Ji (1595-1644) transformed Sikhism by emphasizing the importance of maintaining both spiritual devotion and the ability to defend oneself and others. His legacy includes:

• Establishing the Akal Takht, the seat of temporal authority in Sikhism
• Introducing the concept of the Saint-Soldier, combining spiritual discipline with martial training
• Building a standing army to protect the Sikh community and others facing oppression
• Promoting self-reliance and sovereignty for the Sikh community
• Fighting multiple battles to defend religious freedom and justice

His 38-year tenure as Guru laid the foundation for the Sikh community’s resilience and warrior tradition, which would prove crucial in the centuries of persecution that followed.

The Broader Message

Bandi Chhor Divas reminds us that true leadership means standing with the oppressed and that freedom is only meaningful when it is shared by all. The festival celebrates not just one man’s liberation but the liberation of many, achieved through compassion, wisdom, and courage.

In today’s world, where injustice and oppression continue in various forms, the message of Bandi Chhor Divas remains powerfully relevant. It calls upon us to:

• Stand up against tyranny and injustice
• Extend compassion beyond our own community
• Use wisdom and creativity to solve seemingly impossible problems
• Remember that our freedom is interconnected with others’ freedom
• Balance spiritual growth with action in the world

Conclusion

While Diwali celebrations may appear similar across different communities with their lights, sweets, and festivities, the stories and meanings behind them offer profound lessons unique to each tradition. For Sikhs, Bandi Chhor Divas is not merely a festival of lights but a celebration of liberation, justice, and the courage to stand for what is right.

As thousands of diyas illuminate the Golden Temple each year, they remind us of Guru Hargobind Ji’s luminous example—that true greatness lies not in securing our own freedom but in ensuring freedom for all. The 52 tassels of that historic cloak continue to inspire Sikhs worldwide to be defenders of justice and champions of the oppressed, regardless of faith, caste, or creed.

This Diwali, as lights shine across India, they carry different stories—but all illuminate the eternal human aspiration for freedom, justice, and the triumph of light over darkness.