Bandi Chhor Diwas: Historical significance of triumph of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji

PTC News Desk: Diwali the festival of lights which holds great reverence in Hindu traditions, while diyas cast a warm glow in every Indian household. Among Sikhs it is celebrated as Bandi Chhor Diwas meaning day of liberation. It is celebrated to honour the compassion and selflessness of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji  - the sixth Guru of the Sikh religion. The celebration follows the tale of  valour, sacrifice, and grit—in essence, the triumph of good over bad.

The term Bandi Chhor Diwas denotes the date of prisoner release which is celebrated to commemorate the return of Guru Hargobind Sahib ji who helped release 52 prisoners from the Gwalior Fort. He was imprisoned arbitrarily by Mughal empire. When Guru Hargobind Sahib ji took over reigns at the age of 11, he vowed to expand military strength, jolted by his father, fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev ji's gruesome death. At that time, he also emphasised on maintaining spiritual authority, which led him to establish Sri Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar. 

Upon receiving this news, Jehangir ordered his long-time trusted aide, Wazir Khan, to arrest Guru Hargobind. However, because Wazir greatly admired the Guru ji, he invited him to meet the Emperor in Delhi, which he accepted. When the young Guru ji reached Jehangir's court, he was imprisoned and ensnared in the Gwalior Fort.

Along with Guru Hargobind Sahib ji, many Rajput princes were also imprisoned. Many attempts were made to  dethrone him, however his faith and courage stayed intact and fueled him. Well-wishers from his court and empire went all the way to Gwalior to pay homage to him for his sacrifice. The clan of well wishers also included prominent Sufi Saint, Mian Mir who requested the Emperor to grant freedom. Upon his request Guru Hargobind Sahib ji was granted freedom. However, he refused to leave without 52 Rajput princes and asked for their freedom as well. Hearing about this, the emperor posed a challenge before Guru ji. He said that Guru’s chola as he walks out of the prison. Guru ji took up the challenge and ordered his tailor to stitch a special chola with 52 panels so each prince could hold a part of it. And that is how they all walked out of the gates of Gwalior Fort and into freedom.