Sikh · 8 November 2026
Bandi Chhor Divas
बंदी छोड़ दिवस
The day Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji returned to Amritsar after freeing 52 kings from Gwalior fort.
Why it is celebrated
Bandi Chhor Divas, “the day of release of prisoners”, falls on Diwali. The Harmandir Sahib is lit with lamps and fireworks to welcome the Guru home.
The story behind it
Emperor Jahangir had imprisoned Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji in Gwalior fort, where 52 Hindu kings were also held. When the emperor agreed to free the Guru, he refused to leave without the kings. Jahangir said that whoever could hold on to the Guru’s robe could leave with him — so the Guru had a cloak made with 52 tassels, and every king walked out holding one. When the Guru reached Amritsar, the city lit lamps in joy.
How to celebrate
- Visit the Golden Temple or your gurdwara for the illuminations (deepmala)
- Light lamps at home and share sweets
- Do ardas for all who are unjustly held
- Serve in the langar
More from this calendar
Guru Nanak Dev JiGuru Angad Dev JiGuru Amar Das JiGuru Ram Das JiGuru Arjan Dev JiGuru Hargobind Sahib JiGuru Har Rai Sahib JiGuru Har Krishan Sahib JiGuru Tegh Bahadur JiGuru Gobind Singh JiSri Guru Granth Sahib JiShaheedi of the SahibzadeVaisakhi · Khalsa Sajna DivasHola MohallaMaghi · Chali MukteSangrandMasya (Amavas)Puranmashi
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