Devotees Celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas At Golden Temple

Devotees gathered at Golden Temple early on Friday to commemorate Bandi Chhor Diwas. Bandi Chhor Diwas of Prisoner Liberation Day marks the return of sixth Six guru, Guru Hargobind to Amritsar along with 52 kings as they were released from the imprisonment in 1619 in Mughal Emperor Jahangir rule.

The Harmandir Sahib, the holiest shrine in Sikhism, was illuminated with LED lights, creating a radiant display for the festive occasion.

The temple complex was meticulously cleaned and adorned with lights, while devotees filled the air with prayers and reverence. This day, known as Bandi Chhor Diwas or “Prisoner Liberation Day,” marks Guru Hargobind’s return to Amritsar, where he was welcomed with lighted earthen lamps.

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According to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the Mughal emperor Jahangir initially imprisoned Guru Hargobind Sahib at Gwalior Fort to curb the Sikh faith’s growth. Influenced by Sufi Saint Sain Mian Mir’s advice, Jahangir eventually agreed to release the Guru, who insisted on the freedom of the 52 kings held with him. Using a specially stitched robe, the Guru led them out, each king holding onto an edge of the garment.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh urged Sikhs to avoid using electrical lights on this occasion, as it coincides with the 40th anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Instead, he encouraged traditional ghee diyas for the celebration.

“It is one of the most revered places where you can connect with the divine in peace, even amid a sea of devotees,” shared a devotee from Lucknow.