Diwali (‘Deewalee’, earthen oil lamps) is often referred to as the ‘Hindu Festival of Lights’ but it is also celebrated by Sikhs and it is an important day for those who follow Sikhism around the world.
To be totally accurate, Sikhs are not actually celebrating Diwali, they are celebrating Bandi Chhorh Divas, which means ‘Prisoner Release Day’, which happens to be at the same time of year (October) as Diwali, so the two are amalgamated.
Prisoner Release Day is the celebration of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib, being released from Gwalior Prison in India along with 52 princes in 1619. The day is seen as a triumph of right over wrong and a tribute to the Guru who saved the lives of the 52 men without violence.
Sikhs celebrating Bandi Chhorh Divas
It is believed that the sixth Guru, along with hundreds of others, was held as a political prisoner by the Mughals, despite being otherwise innocent of any crimes.
The Mughal Emperor Jahangir met with Guru during his imprisonment and became close to him – partly because the Guru saved him from a lion whilst out hunting, but also because the Guru’s prayers were thought to have cured the Emperor of a serious illness.
Such was the debt the Emperor owed Guru Hargobind, he agreed to release him but the Guru refused to accept unless he could take 52 princes (Rajas) with him.
The Emperor was at first reluctant, but agreed to letting any prisoners free who could hold onto the Guru’s cloak, thinking this would serious limit the number.
Prisoners hold onto Guru Hargobind’s cloak
However, the Guru outsmarted the Emperor by creating a cloak made with 52 tails (reported as pieces of string in some places) so all the Rajas could hold on and walk to freedom with him.
The selflessness of the Guru is celebrated to this day at Gurudwara Bandi Chor (the Sikh Temple built on the site of the Guru’s imprisonment) with candles and fireworks on Bandi Chhorh Divas.
It is also a time when Sikhs may choose to make a pilgrimage to the Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib) which is the most important pilgrimage site in the religion.
Diwali celebrations at Harimandar Sahib are marked by zillions of lights,
tens of thousands of celebrants, and a scintillating fireworks display.
The Golden Temple celebrating Bandi Chhorh Divas in Amritsar
On Diwali, the Golden Temple in Amritsar is illuminated with Diyas (lamps) and fireworks are also lit. -- Source. See More.
