Bandi Chhor Divas and Divali
For Sikh people, Divali, the festival of lights, coincides with another celebration called Bandi Chhor Divas. This is when Sikhs remember the release from prison and return to AmritsarA city in Punjab. Central to Sikhism. of the sixth GuruCan mean God, teacher or guide. Usually means a teacher of religion. In Sikhism, it also refers to the ten human messengers of God., Guru HargobindGuru Hargobind was the sixth Sikh Guru who lived from 1595 to 1644. He became Guru at the age of eleven after the execution of his father, Guru Arjan. Guru Hargobind founded the Sikh military tradition. in 1619. The name Bandi Chhor Divas means liberation of prisoners day.
According to tradition, Guru Hargobind was released from prison in Gwalior and reached Amritsar on Divali. He would only agree to leave prison if 52 Hindu princes who were in prison with him could also go free. The Emperor JahangirMughal Emperor of India, said that those who clung to the Guru's coat would be able to go free. This was meant to limit the number of prisoners who could be released. However, Guru Hargobind had a coat made with 52 tassels attached to it so that all of the princes could leave prison with him.
The story reminds Sikhs of freedom and human rights and this is what they celebrate on Bandi Chhor Divas.
Divali means 'row of lights'. This is because Hindus, Sikhs and Jains decorate houses, shops and public places in India with small oil lamps called Divas. These lamps are often placed in rows in windows, doors and outside buildings as decoration. Electric lights too are used in Divali displays and fireworks are also a big part of the Divali celebrations.
Divali is a time for giving and receiving gifts for Sikhs. Traditionally, sweets and dried fruit are exchanged.