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Bandi Chor Divas (Sikh)
November 14, 2020
The sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind, was imprisoned Gwalior Fort by the Mughal Emperor, Jahangir, sometime between 1617 and 1619. He was kept under close surveillance and his devotees were turned away from visiting him. However, Bhai Jetha and Hazrat Miam Mir rallied for Guru Hargobind’s release. There were 52 other political prisoners being held by Emperor Jahangir and Guru Hargobind refused to leave the prison until he could secure their release as well. Emperor Jahangir conceded that how many ever prisoners could hold onto Guru Hargobind’s robe at the emancipation could be released as well. A special robe was stitched with 52 strips on it for each prison to hold onto one. Bandi Chor loosely translates to “the release of the imprisoned” or “the great emancipator” and it holds significant meaning since Guru Hargobind sacrificed personal freedom to defend the innocent. Bandi Chor falls on the same day as Divali, but Sikhs do not celebrate Divali.
Holiday Greeting: “Vadhaaiaa Ji” – Congratulations!
Students and/or Co-Workers may visit their local Gurdwara in the evening for a devotional service. Often fireworks and/or candles may be a part of their local celebration.
