(Samajweekly) Bandi Chhod Divas meaning “Day of Liberation” also known as Bandi Chhod Dihara, is a Sikh celebration commemorating the day when the sixth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and 52 Hindu kings were released from Gwalior Fort, who had been imprisoned by Mughal Emperor Jahangir who had held 52 Kings at the Gwalior Fort for several months.
Gurdwara Bandi Chhor Sahib is located at the place of Guru’s internment in the Fort. Day of Liberation falls in autumn and often overlaps Hindu Diwali, the festival of lights which is celebrated in Punjab, India and the whole world.
Historically, from the time of third Sikh Guru Amar Das, Sikhs and Hindus of the time used the occasion of Diwali, Vaisakhi and other such festivals to congregate at the seat of the Gurus. Bandi Chhod Divas is celebrated by the lighting up of homes and Gurdwaras, celebratory procession {Nagar Kirtan} and community kitchen {Guru Ka Langar}.
It is an important Sikh celebration along with Vaisakhi, Holla Mohalla and Gurpurbs {birthday of Gurus}. The Gurdwaras organises continuous Kirtan {Hymn Singing} and special musicians {Kirtan Jathas}. Sikhs consider this occasion as an important time to visit Gurdwaras and spend time with their families.
In Leicester and Leicestershire, celebrations took place all day from 6 am until about 9 pm at all the Gurdwaras. At the Shri Guru HarKrishan Sahib Gurdwara, Kenilworth Drive Oadby a stall was held by Khalsa Aid which is an international Non-Government Organisation NGO which aims to provide humanitarian aid in disaster areas and civil conflict zones around the world. Khalsa Aid International is based upon the Sikh principle of “ Recognise the whole human race as one “.
Cousin brothers Jorawer 6 years and Robinder 5 years whose birthdays celebrations took place at this place of worship this year, volunteered and helped raise £153 for Khalsa Aid. The Leicester Branch spokesperson for the charity Balinder Singh thanked the Gurdwara Management Committee and everyone who donated and congratulated Sikhs all over the world on the very special Sikh celebration Bandi Chhod Divas.
Report:Tarlochan Singh Virk
