Bandi Chhor Divas ("Day of Liberation") - coinciding with Diwali Day - is a Sikh day of celebration that commemorates the day Guru Hargobindji was released from Mughal jail at Gwalior Fort.

Diwali is not limited to the history of what happened in Ayodhya during Prabhu Shri Ram's days, it is an important festival for many other Indic faiths too. For Sikhs also, Diwali day is a big day of celebration.

Mughal Emperor Jahangir had imprisoned the sixth guru Hargobindji after killing his father Guru Arjan Devji for refusing to convert to Islam. Hargobindji was arrested on trumped-up charges that he had failed to pay the taxes that were due from his then-deceased father. The 11-year-old boy was put into jail.

Mughal Emperor Jahangir had imprisoned the sixth guru Hargobindji after killing his father Guru Arjan Devji for refusing to convert to Islam. Hargobindji was arrested on trumped-up charges that he had failed to pay the taxes that were due from his then-deceased father. The 11-year-old boy was put into jail.

There were several other noblemen and kings who were in the Gwalior fort jail along with Guru Hargobindji. The "bandi" or inmates were held in prison for political reasons.

On Diwali Day, it was decided that Guru Hargobindji would be released. He insisted that the 52 kings wrongfully held like him, will walk out along with him to freedom. He was granted that wish. The 52 Hindu "Bandi" (imprisoned) kings and princes held on to his robe or cape with 52 ropes and walked out to liberation.

Guru Hargobindji's day of freedom is observed by Sikhs as Bandi Chhor Diwas (prisoner release day) to mark the historical release of the sixth Sikh guru in the early 17th century.

Sikh Gurdwara, Gurdwara Data Bandi Chhor Sahib, is located at the place of the Gurus internment in the Gwalior Fort.

Sikh religious leaders and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee formally adopted this day into the Nanakshahi calendar in 2003.

The Bandi Chhor Divas is celebrated by the lighting of homes and Gurdwaras, celebratory processions (Nagar kirtan) and langar (free community kitchen).

Function at Amritsar's Golden Temple:

It is a centuries-old tradition among Sikhs to gather at Golden Temple on Bandi Chhor Diwas. Akhand Path is held at Gurdwara Mal Akhara Sahib, historically related to Guru Hargobind Sahib ji. Bhog is held on Diwali day. Sikh leaders attend the gathering at Akal Takht.

The Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) also makes special arrangements for the lighting and fireworks on this occasion.