Across India, countless festivals are celebrated, among which Diwali holds a special place. This festival has been observed since ancient times and is one of India’s most universal celebrations, uniting people of all religions in joy and goodwill.
In Sikhism too, there are several important religious and commemorative occasions, such as the Shaheedi Jor Mela, Hola Mohalla, Vaisakhi (Khalsa Creation Day), and many martyrdom days of revered Sikhs which are observed with great devotion.
Among these, Sikhs also celebrate Diwali every year — but not in the traditional sense. In the Sikh faith, Diwali is celebrated as “Bandi Chhor Divas” (the Day of Liberation), which has a distinct history rooted in the time of the Sikh Gurus.
This day commemorates the release of the sixth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, from imprisonment. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, who led the Sikhs from 1606 to 1644 CE, holds a special place in Sikh history. During his period of leadership, he redefined the Sikh movement, instilling a spirit of self-respect and courage among Sikhs.
Guru Ji taught his followers to engage in Naam Simran (meditation on God’s name) while also being ready to defend righteousness with the sword when necessary. One of his most notable contributions was the establishment of the Akal Takht Sahib at Amritsar — a monumental step in shaping the Sikh Panth.
He inspired Sikhs to become both “Saints and Soldiers” (Sant-Sipahi). During his time, the first conflicts between the Mughal rulers and the Sikhs took place. Despite limited resources, the Sikhs, under his leadership, triumphed in these battles, which greatly boosted their morale. Alarmed by this growing influence, Emperor Jahangir sought to suppress the Sikh community.
Out of fear and political pressure, Jahangir deceitfully imprisoned Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji in the Gwalior Fort, where many other princes and rulers were already held captive.
When the Sikh community learned of Guru Ji’s imprisonment, they became deeply distressed. Prominent Sikhs like Baba Buddha Ji and others led groups of devotees toward Gwalior to plead for Guru Ji’s release. Their peaceful mobilization and the intervention of Sufi saint Mian Mir Ji compelled Jahangir to reconsider.
Jahangir eventually agreed to release Guru Ji, but Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji refused to leave the fort until all 52 imprisoned kings were freed along with him. Impressed by Guru Ji’s compassion and determination, Jahangir ordered the release of all 52 rulers.
Because Guru Ji secured the freedom of these prisoners, he became known as “Bandi Chhor Data” — the Liberator of Captives.
After nearly two years in captivity, Guru Ji returned to Amritsar. His arrival coincided with the day of Diwali, and the Sikh community celebrated his return with immense joy and devotion. Baba Buddha Ji organized a grand illumination (Deepmala) at Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), lighting lamps in ghee. From that time onward, the festival of Diwali has been observed among Sikhs as Bandi Chhor Divas.
On this day, special congregations are held at Akal Takht Sahib, where important community matters are discussed and Gurmattas (collective resolutions) are passed — a tradition of great significance in Sikh history.
During the time of Bhai Mani Singh Ji, the Mughal ruler Zakariya Khan feared large Sikh gatherings at Harmandir Sahib on Bandi Chhor Divas, suspecting that they might plan revolts. Bhai Mani Singh Ji negotiated permission to hold the festival by agreeing to pay a tax. However, when he learned that Zakariya Khan planned to attack the Sikh congregation, he refused to pay the tax and asked Sikhs not to gather that year.
As a result, he was arrested and martyred by being cut joint by joint in Lahore. His sacrifice gave Bandi Chhor Divas a new, sacred meaning — it became not only a festival of freedom but also of martyrdom and courage.
According to Gurmat (Sikh teachings), while celebrating Bandi Chhor Divas, Sikhs should resolve to free their minds from evil and ignorance, imbibe the spirit of self-respect and sacrifice, and illuminate not only their surroundings with lamps but also their inner self with the light of Gurbani.
By Gurpreet Singh, Editor
