Diwali celebrations can never be complete without putting diyas all around our houses. It signifies and celebrates Lord Rama winning against Ravana and returning to his kingdom in Ayodhya 14 years later. When the devotees in India celebrate the festival for this momentous occasion, Sikhs enjoy the day for one more glorious reason. The celebration is known as Bandi Chhor Divas and here’s all you need to know about it.
What Is The Famous Sikh Celebration Of Bandi Chhor Divas?
This special day is an incredible moment of celebration and commemoration for the Sikhs. On the day of Bandi Chhor Divas, all the Sikhs commemorate the day when Guru Hargobind Ji released 52 prisoners. These prisoners were kings and princes and Mughal Emperor Jehangir imprisoned them at the Gwalior fort for some months. Even after centuries and centuries, Sikhs continue to remember this historical day and Guru Hargobind’s impeccable bravery and heroism.
Coincidentally, Bandi Chhor Divas and the festival of Diwali are celebrated on the same day. When everyone enjoys the festival of lights by lighting diyas and beautiful lights all around houses, Sikhs celebrate the day to receognise Guru Hargobind Ji’s immense sacrifice and prowess. It is a unique and one-of-a-kind day to remember and cherish forever. Both the memorable days of the good winning over evil signify the auspiciousness.
Sikhs celebrate the day by decorating their houses and Gurdwaras with beautiful diyas. Seeing the diyas lighting and glittering after dusk is such a magnificent sight to witness. Gurudwaras and houses after houses decked up with different diyas simply steal our hearts on this joyous occasion. Along with this, they also conduct processions on Bandi Chhor Divas. Just like any other festival, langar is a must on this occasion.
Also read: Fasting This Diwali? We Asked A Chef For 5 Vrat-Friendly Recipes To Enjoy After Breaking It
Which Are The Gurudwaras To Visit On This Day?
Most of the Gurudwaras celebrate the occasion of Guru Hargobind Ji releasing 52 innocent prisoners from the Gwalior prison. Along with Diwali, the day is celebrated with pomp and glory and remembered for his courage and sacrifice. If you wish to spend this day in a gurudwara and experience the glory and celebrations of thousands coming together, sitting together, and enjoying langar, then you can visit any local gurudwara. Sikhs commemorate this day every year and gurudwaras have an immense role to play here.
If you are in Madhya Pradesh or have plans to visit the state, you surely need to visit the Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhor Sahib on Bandi Chhor Divas. The day is celebrated iconically there. On this day of celebration for the Sikhs, everyone immerses themselves in the unique traditions of the occasion.
Another Gurudwara where the day of liberation is celebrated with pomp and glory is Amritsar’s Golden Temple. Don’t worry if you are not in Madhya Pradesh or Amritsar as you can explore any gurudwara on this day and enjoy the magnificence of extraordinary decorations with diyas, people coming together to worship and celebrate.
Also read: Visiting Ayodhya This Diwali? Don’t Miss Out On These 6 Holy Places To Visit
Have you celebrated the grand occasion of Bandi Chhor Divas before?
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
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