Bandi Chhor Divas A day that teaches selflessness

The Sikhs celebrate Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas in memory of the return of the sixth Guru,Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji from detention in the Gwalior Fort.

Bandi Chhor Divas

teaches Selflessness

When Murtaja Khan, Nawab of Lahore, noticed that Guru Ji had constructed Sri Akaal Takht Sahib, ‘The Throne of the Almighty’, at Amritsar, and was also strengthening his army, he informed about it to the Mughal Emperor Jahangeer. He emphasized that he is making preparations to take revenge for his father’s torture and martyrdom. Jahangeer at once sent Wazir Khan and Guncha Beg to Amritsar to arrest Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji..

But Wazir Khan who was a devotee of the Sikh Guru’s requested the Guru to accompany them to Delhi as Emperor Jahangeer wanted to meet him. Guru Sahib accepted the invitation and reached Delhi.

On their first meeting when Jahangeer saw the Guru, he was completely won over by his youthful charm and holiness. The Emperor gave a royal welcome to the Guru. But Chandu Shah could not bear it. His daughter was still unmarried and thus the rotten sore was still bleeding (that Guru Arjan Dev Ji and the Sikh Sangat had refused the offer to marry his daughter with his son Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji). At Agra, the Emperor fell seriously ill. The physicians tried their best but they failed to care him. Then Chandu Shah conspired with the astrologers, who were asked to tell the Emperor that his sickness was due to wrong track of stars and it could, be cared only if some holy man goes to Gwallior Fort to offer prayers to the deity. He also pointed out that Guru Hargobind Ji was such a holy man and he should be asked go to Gwallior Fort. At the Emperor’s request Guru Ji agreed and left for the Gawalior Fort.

In the fort Guru Ji met many princes who were detained there due to political reasons. They were leading a very deplorable life. With the help of Hari Dass (the governor of fort) Guru Ji improved their condition. Hari Daas was a Sikh of Guru Nanak and he become ardent devotee of Guru Hargobind. Once when Chandu wrote to Hari Daas to poison Guru Sahib, he at once placed that letter before Guru Ji.

When several months passed and Guru Ji was not released then Baba Buddha Ji and other devotees sikhs met the Guru. They informed him about the despicable condition of the Sikhs, who were waiting for him with great eagerness. The Guru assured them that they should not worry, he would join them soon. In the meantime Sai Mian Meer Ji met Jahangeer and asked him to release the Guru. Jahangeer, who had fully recovered ordered Wazir Khan to release Guru Sahib. But Guru Ji declined to leave the fort unless the princes confined in the fort were also released.

When Wazir Khan informed the Emperor about the desire of the Guru Ji, the Emperor was forced to agree, though he didn’t want to free the prisoners. But the Emperor put down the condition that “whoever can hold on to the Guru’s cloak can be released.” Having compassion for others, Guru Sahib was determined to get the fifty–two Hindu princes prisoners freed. He had a cloak made with 52 corners, for each King to hold on to and Guru Ji finally left the fort with all fifty-two princes. As the Guru liberated all the prisioners he is known as Bandi-Chhor (Liberator). Jahangeer was very much pleased with his Goodness. He ordered Wazir Khan to bring Guru Hargobind Sahib in his court at Delhi with great honour. Jahangeer had realised that he was wrong for torturing and killing His father (Guru Arjan Dev Ji), who had not committed any crime or offense. He exonerate himself by indicting the crime on Chandu Shah and other officers.

A Gurudwara known as BandiChhor is built at the place where Guru Ji stayed during his detention. The Sikhs celebrate this day as Bandi Chhorr Divas i.e., “the day of release of detainees” and illuminations are made in the Gurdwaras and in homes. what do we learn from bandi-Chhor diwas? 52 Hindu Kings were freed with Guru Sahib. Guru Sahib could have left the Fort alone, however, Guru Ji thought of others before himself. For him the ohers freedom and rights were more important than his own. Guru Ji never thought only of his emancipation but was concerned about everyone’s emancipation (SARBAT DA BHALLA). This is the attitude and virtue which Guru Ji wanted to fill within his Sikhs. We should pray for His mercy. May WAHEGURU emancipate our soul from five dreaded vices and help us to enjoy real essence of light within. may the light that we Celebrate at diwali show us the way and lead us together on the path of peaCe and soCial harmony.

Diwali:

A harbinger of new beginnings

Diwali, a festival of light, hope and happiness is one of the biggest cultural celebrations that take place in India. It is celebrated across the length and breadth of the country in diverse ways and with great enthusiasm.

Nikita Sharma

Freelance writer/ blogger/ Content Strategist

The festive fervour brought along Diwali is seen months before the occasion; people are excited, markets are decorated and the houses are illuminated with all sorts of beautiful lights. It’s a cultural extravaganza witnessed at its best. Diwali is not just a festival but a feeling that brings joy and happiness in the lives of many people. For some, the festival is associated with new clothes, shopping and a lot of festive food binging, for others it’s a reason to indulge in parties and gatherings, and for many it is that time of the year when they get their long due bonus and gifts at work that bring nothing but happiness. In short, a spirit of cheer and merriment engulfs every other person due to innumerable reasons. But do you know how and why this all started? Let’s take you to the roots of the festival. History and origins of diwali

Widely known as the ‘festival of Lights’, Diwali is a 5-day celebration, wherein friends and families get together and perform various rituals and indulge in merry making in their own ways. The festival is all about people lighting Diyas or earthen lamps in their houses, gobbling all sorts of delicacies, exchanging gifts, playing games and burning crackers. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Diwali is observed on Amavasya or the no moon night and is an indication of a dawn of a New Year. The festival is considered to be a harbinger of new beginnings as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi herself visits the houses of devotees in the middle of the dark night, and blesses them with wealth, good health, prosperity and happiness. It is called the festival of lights because it symbolises the victory of light over darkness, hope over despair and good over evil.

The history of Diwali can be traced back to thousands of years in ancient India. There are various legends revolving around the origin of this festival. Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, with Lord Vishnu and others believe it to be the birthday of goddess Lakshmi. The most widespread belief is that the festival is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama along with his wife, Sita and brother Lakshman, from a 14-year-long exile to the kingdom of Ayodhya. To commemorate the return of their king, the people of the kingdom illuminated each and every household with earthen lamps and hence, the festival of lights was observed.

For some the origin of the festival lays in Bengal, where the festival is dedicated to the worship of Kaali, the dark goddess of strength. The elephant-headed god and symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom Ganesha is also worshiped in most Hindu homes on this day along with goddess Lakshmi. For people who practice Jainism, Deepawali has the added significance as it is believed that it is on this day that Lord Mahavira attained the eternal bliss of nirvana.

They say there is no other country as diverse, secular and vibrant as India and so many stories and legends pertaining to just one festival leaves no doubt about it. We now take you on a journey and give you a glimpse of this festival through the eyes of a common Indian man. We bet you don’t know the reasons behind the celebrations across different parts of India and the significance of the celebrations. tHe significance of tHe five days of celebration

Each day of celebration of the festival has its own tale to tell. As per the legends, the first day, Naraka Chaturdasi marks the conquering of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. This is followed by Amavasya, the second day of Deepawali, which marks the worship of Lakshmi as she is said to be in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees.

The no moon day or Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who, in his dwarf incarnation, overcame the bully Bali and banished him to hell. It is believed that Bali is allowed to return to earth once a year to light millions of lamps and dismiss darkness and ignorance while spreading the radiance of love and wisdom.

On the third day, famously

known as Kartika Shudda Padyami, it is said that Bali steps out of hell and rules the earth according to the boon given by Lord Vishnu. The fourth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj), and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes for a Teeka ceremony. This is similar to the spirit of Rakshabandhan wherein, the brothers vows to protect the sister.

Diwali also instills charity in the hearts of people. Govardhan Puja, a commemoration by Vaishnavites, on the fourth day of Diwali is observed by feeding the poor on an incredible scale.

The fifth day is observed as Dhanteras wherein many indulge in gambling and consider it to be auspicious. The Hindi word ‘Dhan’ means wealth and ‘Teras’ stands for the 13th. This celebration of wealth and prosperity occurs two days before the festival of lights. Card parties are a big trend due to this day. The tradition of gambling on Diwali also has a legend behind it. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati played dice with her husband Lord Shiva. She decreed that whosoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the ensuing year. tHe significance of ligHts and firecrackers of firecrackers indicates the joy of the people living on earth, making the gods aware of their plentiful state. Still another possible reason has a more scientific basis: the fumes produced by the firecrackers kill or repel many insects, including mosquitoes, which are plentiful after the rains. However, with the alarming rise of global warming and pollution levels, this practice should be discouraged. tHe spiritual significance of diwali

Every ritual practiced on Diwali has its significance and a story behind it. Homes are illuminated with lights, and firecrackers fill the skies as an expression of respect to the heavens for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace, and prosperity.

As per a belief, the sound

Beyond the lights, gambling, and fun, Diwali is also a time to reflect on life and make changes for the upcoming year. With that, there are several customs that revelers hold dear each year. 1. Give and forgive: It is common practice that people forget and forgive the wrongs done by others during Diwali. There is an air of freedom, festivity, and friendliness everywhere. 2. Rise and shine: Waking up during the Brahmamuhurta (at 4 a.m., or one and a half hour before sunrise) is a great blessing from the standpoint of health, ethical discipline, efficiency in work, and spiritual advancement. The sages who instituted this Deepawali custom may have hoped that their descendants would realise its benefits and make it a regular habit in their lives. 3. Unite and unify: Diwali is a unifying event, and it can soften even the hardest of hearts. It is a time when people mingle about in joy and embrace one another. 4. Prosper and progress: On this day, Hindu merchants in North India open their new account books and pray for success and prosperity during the coming year. People buy new clothes for the family. Employers, too, purchase new clothes for their employees. Homes are cleaned and decorated by day and illuminated by night with earthen oil lamps. 5. Illuminate your inner self: The lights of Diwali also signify a time of inner illumination of the soul. It is an opportunity to cultivate and enjoy eternal bliss. 6. Moving from darkness into light: The light empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds. During Diwali, lights illuminate every corner of India, and the scent of incense sticks in the air mingled with the sounds of firecrackers signifies nothing but joy, togetherness, and hope.

Diwali is celebrated across the globe. Everywhere outside India, it is more than a Hindu festival; it’s a celebration of South-Asian identities.

If you are away from the sights and sounds of Diwali, light a lamp or a candle, sit and introspect, shut your eyes, withdraw the senses, concentrate on the supreme light, and illuminate your soul.

If you happen to ever visit India during this festive period, you can spend this festival in the most amazing ways in these beautiful places that have different ways and traditions revolving around the celebration of Diwali. 1. Kolkata: The mighty city of Kolkata brightens up in every way possible due to the massive celebration of Kaali Puja. Goddess Kaali is worshiped in huge pandals (tents) that are decked up like a bride on her wedding day. The lip smacking food available in the city during this time is a cherry on cake. 2. Goa: Since many people indulge in gambling as part of the Diwali fervour, the casinos in Goa are a sight to behold. It is fun and merry making all across the city, it is less crowded and nnot very busy unlike other months since a majority of Indians prefer to celebrate the festival with their families; this is considered as the best time to visit the party capital of India. 3. Amritsar: Even though Amritsar, home of the Golden Temple, is predominated by Sikh, Diwali is celebrated in a grand way there too. It is because this day marks the return from prison of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib, in 1619. He had been irrationally held for his beliefs, along with many others who he helped free. Also, the foundation stone of the Golden Temple was laid on Diwali, in 1577. So, expect to see an exciting display of fireworks over the Golden Temple on this day.