Amritsar: Devotess light candles at Golden temple on the occasion of Diwali in Amritsar on Sunday evening.PTI Photo (PTI10_31_2016_000027A)
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Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated across India with a variety of mythological stories. In northern and central regions it marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya; in the east it is associated with Kali Puja; and in the south it commemorates the defeat of the demon king Narakasura by Krishna and Satyabhama. For Sikhs, the same day is observed as Bandi Chhor Divas, the “Day of Liberation,” which celebrates the release of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, from imprisonment. Guru Hargobind was held captive at Gwalior Fort in the 17th century along with 52 kings and princes by Mughal emperor Jahangir. When the emperor agreed to release the Guru, he demanded that the Guru leave only with those who had held his robe. To meet this condition, a robe with 52 tassels was made, allowing each king to hold on and be freed alongside the Guru. Upon his release, Amritsar welcomed him with thousands of lamps, kirtans, and ardaas, and the city’s streets were illuminated in celebration. Today, devotees gather at Gurdwara Data Bandi Chhor Sahib within the Gwalior Fort complex for prayers and special celebrations. The Golden Temple in Amritsar remains a prominent symbol of the occasion, its lamps and lights marking the historic homecoming. While Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas share the theme of liberation, they commemorate distinct historical and religious narratives. Article source: Indian Express | Image credit: Indian Express
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated across India with a variety of mythological stories. In northern and central regions it marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya; in the east it is associated with Kali Puja; and in the south it commemorates the defeat of the demon king Narakasura by Krishna and Satyabhama. For Sikhs, the same day is observed as Bandi Chhor Divas, the “Day of Liberation,” which celebrates the release of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, from imprisonment. Guru Hargobind was held captive at Gwalior Fort in the 17th century along with 52 kings and princes by Mughal emperor Jahangir. When the emperor agreed to release the Guru, he demanded that the Guru leave only with those who had held his robe. To meet this condition, a robe with 52 tassels was made, allowing each king to hold on and be freed alongside the Guru. Upon his release, Amritsar welcomed him with thousands of lamps, kirtans, and ardaas, and the city’s streets were illuminated in celebration. Today, devotees gather at Gurdwara Data Bandi Chhor Sahib within the Gwalior Fort complex for prayers and special celebrations. The Golden Temple in Amritsar remains a prominent symbol of the occasion, its lamps and lights marking the historic homecoming. While Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas share the theme of liberation, they commemorate distinct historical and religious narratives.
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