Diwali, a celebration of a scorn princes triumphant return back to his people. Prince Rama along with Sita and Laxman returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, and in anticipation of their return, entire city was decked out with lamps and lights to welcome their beloved prince. However, a similar but much less talked about story unfolded in the holy city of Punjab, Amritsar. Known as the Bandi Chhor Diwas (translation: Prisoner Release Day), this pivotal day also marked the return of a revered Sikh figure, the sixth guru Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji after an unjust incarceration.

The Bandi Chhor Divas is celebrated by the lighting up of homes and Gurdwaras, celebratory processions (nagar kirtan) and langar (community kitchen), particularly in Amritsar. The event usually overlaps with Diwali. According to the Nanakshahi calender, this year, Bandi Chhor Diwas will be celebrated on 16 Katak (November 1). It is an important Sikh celebration along with Vaisakhi, Hola Mohalla and Gurpurab.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s Martyrdom

Historical accounts suggest that Guru Hargobind Sahib’s father, the fifth guru of the Sikhs, Guru Arjan Dev was arrested under the orders of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir who was persuaded by a Mughal official, Chandu Shah and was asked to convert to Islam. Several retellings of the story say that the animosity between Chandu Shah and Guru Arjan Dev Ji began when Chandu Shahs proposal to marry his daughter to Guru Arjans son, Hargobind, was rejected. However, Guru Arjan Dev refused, angering the Mughal Emperor. Guru jis refusal led to his torture and execution in 1606 CE. Because of the execution of Guru Arjan by Mughal Emperor Jahangir, Guru Hargobind was opposed to the oppression of the Mughal rule.

Militarization of the Sikhs

Guru Arjan Dev jis execution strengthened Guru Hargobind Jis resolve of fighting against the oppressive rule of the Mughals. On 24 June 1606, Guru Hargobind ji was anointed the sixth guru at the tender age of 11. At his succession ceremony, he put on two swords: one indicated his resolve to maintain spiritual authority (piri) and the other, his temporal authority (miri). The miri-piri are symbolised eternally at the Akal Takht sahib in Amritsar as two Nishan Sahibs. He incited the Sikhs to take up arms against the oppressive rule, who deemed it to be the need of the hour. The Sikhs were trained in martial arts and military tactics, and hence the concept of the saint-soldier sikh was born.

Sri Hargobind Sahib erected defensive walls around Amritsar city and constructed a fort on the city outskirts. He also laid the foundation of Sri Akal Takht Sahib The Throne of Almighty, which is the main Sikh governing body today. The Akal Takht became the mecca of Sikhs, where they congregrated to pray and discussed problems faced by the Sikh nation.

This became a warning signal for Murtaja Khan, Nawab of Lahore. Several historical accounts say that the Nawab lied in his report to emperor Jahangir saying the arming and fortification of Amritsar was Guru Hargobind jis plan of revenge for the death of his father. He perceived the military training of the Sikhs as a direct threat to the Mughal Empire and feared an uprising as payback for Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Jahangir subsequently ordered Guru Hargobind Ji to be imprisoned in the Gwalior Fort. Guru ji was summoned to Delhi by Jahangir where they held a debate on the Sikh doctrine, Hinduism and Islamism.

Guru Hargobind Ji is detained

There are different accounts which claim different tenures of Guru Hargobind Jis detention, but the most widely accepted one is considered to be from 1609 to 1612 CE. Guru ji was released after his supporters, Sain Mian Mir and Wazir Khan (Governor of Lahore) secured his release orders. Wazir Khan was originally sent from Delhi to arrest Guru Hargobind, however, being an admirer of Guru Ji, he convinced him for an audience with the Mughal emperor.

Some accounts say that during his detention at the fort, Guru Hargobind Ji developed amicable relationship with Jahangir, who was impressed by Guru jis charm and wit. One account says that Hargobind ji accompanied Jahangir on a hunting exercise, and saved Jahangirs life from a predator.

It was later discovered Guru Arjan Dev Jis execution was planned and executed by Chandu Shah. Chandu Shah conspired with Prithi Chand, the excommunicated son of Guru Ram Das, the fourth guru, to seek revenge against Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Chandu Shah was handed over to the Sikhs by Jahangir after Jahangir learned about his scheming. Chandu Shah was executed by the Sikhs, suffering a humiliating and painful death.

A few Persian records, such as Dabistan-e-Mazaheb suggest he was kept in jail between 1617 and 1619 in Gwalior, after which he and his camp were kept under Muslim army’s surveillance by Jahangir.

Release with the 52 Kings

Guru Hargobind ji met Jahangir immediately after his release and demanded the release of 52 Hindu Kings who were also believed to be wrongfully incarcerated by Jahangir.

While his request was obliged, some accounts say that Jahangir had levelled a stipulation which said that all the kings that could hold on to Guru Jis robes while exiting would be allowed to walk free. To ensure their release, Guru Hargobind ji had a special robe made with 52 tassels, allowing each king to hold onto one as they walked out of the fort.

Guru ji then arrived in Amritsar with the 52 Hindu kings in tow. In celebration of his return, the entire city of Amritsar was adorned in lamps. The tradition continues to this day, as devouts flock to Gurudwaras to light lamps and candles, signifying the day of Sri Hargobind Jis return.