Bandi Chhor Divas

The Bandi Chhor Divas is celebrated in commemoration of the 6th Sikh Guru. Guru Hargobind was the sixth Sikh guru. He imprisoned Jahangir and secured the release of 52 Hindu kings who were imprisoned by the Mughal, and symbolized the value of Sikhs in confronting persecution. The Hindu Diwali Festival is celebrated throughout India (and around the world) by Hindu, Sikh and Jains. Its meaning is based on ancient Hindu events and scriptures, but Bandi Chhor Divas is called an event related to Guru Hargobind. Bandi Chhor Divas is celebrated with home and Gurdwara lighting, a solemn procession known as Nagar Kirtan and a Langar (communal kitchen). It is an important Sikh festival along with Hola Mohalla, Vaisakhi and Gurupurab.

Highlights

This day is often gets overlapped with the Diwali festival. Bandi Chhor Divas is celebrated by illuminating homes and Gurdwara. That day, Guru Hargobind was released from Gwariel Prison with 52 Hindu kings. On this day, people perform Akhand Paath (continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib), Nagar Keertan. Fireworks will also be launched. On this day, Harmandir Sahib which is the Golden Temple is decorated with lights.

History of Guru Hargobind

Hargobind?s father, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs Guru Arjan Dev was arrested at the behest of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Arjan Dev was forced by the Mughals to convert to Islam but he refused. He was executed and tortured in the year 1606. This event is defined in Indian history as Guru Arjan Dev?s martyrdom. After his father’s execution, Guru Hargobind became the sixth guru at the age of 11. He wore two swords. One showed his determination to maintain spiritual authority, and the other showed his temporary authority. The swords were called Piri and Miri.

The Sixth Master, Saccha Paatshah, Sixth Nanak and The Master of Miri Piri are the other names of Guru Hargobind. Nanaki was the name of his wife. Guru Tegh Bahadur who is the ninth guru of Sikhism was his son. In the grounds of the Golden Temple, he built the Akal Takhat and raised his troops from here. He was the first Sikh guru to go to war. He advises Sikhs to participate in military training and martial arts. He was the founder of Kiratpur Sahib which is headquartered in Punjab. The seventh as well as the eighth gurus of the community of Sikhs were born as well as raised here. He oversaw the creation of Taus. He fought in historical battles such as the Battle of Kartarpur, the Battle of Rohilla, the Battle of Lahira, and the Battle of Amritsar in the year 1634 and the Battle of Hargobindpur. Guru Har Rai succeeded him.