1/ Wishing everyone who celebrates a Happy Diwali & Bandi Chhor Divas.
To those who do not know the historical significance, I will briefly share what I have learned about it through the years.
As per @SikhRI, Bandi Chhor Divas represents "Emancipation Day"
To those who do not know the historical significance, I will briefly share what I have learned about it through the years.
As per @SikhRI, Bandi Chhor Divas represents "Emancipation Day"
2/ Sikh Gurus
Sikhi is guided by the teachings of 11 Gurus (leaders who guide us from darkness to light) from Guru Nanak Sahib to the Guru Granth Sahib (our scriptures in homes/Gurduaras).
Guru Hargobind Sahib was our 6th Guru; Bandi Chhor Divas remembers his imprisonment.
Sikhi is guided by the teachings of 11 Gurus (leaders who guide us from darkness to light) from Guru Nanak Sahib to the Guru Granth Sahib (our scriptures in homes/Gurduaras).
Guru Hargobind Sahib was our 6th Guru; Bandi Chhor Divas remembers his imprisonment.
3/ What Happened?
Guru Sahib was imprisoned by Emperor Jahangir at the Gwalior Fort for months-years (uncertain how long exactly)
Alongside Guruji, were 52 imprisoned political prisoners, the Hindu Rajahs (Kings/Princes)
Guru Sahib was imprisoned by Emperor Jahangir at the Gwalior Fort for months-years (uncertain how long exactly)
Alongside Guruji, were 52 imprisoned political prisoners, the Hindu Rajahs (Kings/Princes)
4/ Rejected Freedom
Guru Sahib was offered his freedom by Jahangir through the efforts of Bhai Jetha & Mian Mir.
Guruji rejected this opportunity at freedom in solidarity with the unjust ongoing detainment of the Rajahs.
He refused to be released unless they all were.
Guru Sahib was offered his freedom by Jahangir through the efforts of Bhai Jetha & Mian Mir.
Guruji rejected this opportunity at freedom in solidarity with the unjust ongoing detainment of the Rajahs.
He refused to be released unless they all were.
5/ Context
Guru Hargobind's father was the 5th Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Sahib.
Guru Arjan Sahib was tortured to martyrdom by Jahangir after refusing to convert to Islam.
Guru was made to sit on a burning hot sheet while boiling hot sand was poured over his body, for 5 days.
Guru Hargobind's father was the 5th Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Sahib.
Guru Arjan Sahib was tortured to martyrdom by Jahangir after refusing to convert to Islam.
Guru was made to sit on a burning hot sheet while boiling hot sand was poured over his body, for 5 days.
6/ Fearlessness
How strong must one's inspired faith be to stand up to the person that tortured your father to their physical end?
This was not about religion, this was Guruji demonstrating that a Sikh must always stand for justice & did not waver in belief or action.
How strong must one's inspired faith be to stand up to the person that tortured your father to their physical end?
This was not about religion, this was Guruji demonstrating that a Sikh must always stand for justice & did not waver in belief or action.
7/ What happened
Jahangir said that whoever can hold onto Guruji's chola (robe), may be released with him.
A special chola was stitched that had 52 strips attached to it, one for each Rajah that was imprisoned.
Artistic depiction by @Inkquisitive:
Jahangir said that whoever can hold onto Guruji's chola (robe), may be released with him.
A special chola was stitched that had 52 strips attached to it, one for each Rajah that was imprisoned.
Artistic depiction by @Inkquisitive:
8/ Freedom
Guru Sahib returned to Amritsar and the Sikhs celebrated his rival by lighting lamps.
We continue to celebrate and reflect on this event by lighting lamps during this time.
As you light a candle/lamp, it is important to ask yourself why are you lighting this?
Guru Sahib returned to Amritsar and the Sikhs celebrated his rival by lighting lamps.
We continue to celebrate and reflect on this event by lighting lamps during this time.
As you light a candle/lamp, it is important to ask yourself why are you lighting this?
9/ Who was Guru Hargobind Sahib?
"He is the defender of righteousness in this world; an undisputed and unflinching king of the kings" - Bhai Gurdas, Var 39, Pauri 3
This all happened when he was imprisoned at the age of ~14-16.
How powerful can youth be when inspired?
"He is the defender of righteousness in this world; an undisputed and unflinching king of the kings" - Bhai Gurdas, Var 39, Pauri 3
This all happened when he was imprisoned at the age of ~14-16.
How powerful can youth be when inspired?
10/ Reflections
As Sikhs, we continue to light lamps/candles to not only commemorate our history, but also to fight ongoing injustices.
Using one's power & influence to uplift those around them, physically reject one's own freedom to champion liberty
This is the Sikh way.
As Sikhs, we continue to light lamps/candles to not only commemorate our history, but also to fight ongoing injustices.
Using one's power & influence to uplift those around them, physically reject one's own freedom to champion liberty
This is the Sikh way.
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